Hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract

Hydrothermal carbonization is a thermochemical conversion technique for biomass utilization. It is realized by applying high temperatures (453∼623 K) to a lignocellulosic biomass in an atmosphere of saturated steam for several hours. With this conversion process, charcoal products are produced. The charcoal obtained can be used as a fuel with a higher calorific value because the wt% of carbon is much higher. Furthermore, it has been studied for use as a functional material, such as porous carbon. This paper discusses the reaction mechanisms for producing charcoal from lignocellulosic biomass under hydrothermal conditions and provides an overview of recent advances in several uses of the charcoal.