Evaluation of steam explosion pretreatment on the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) yield from poplar wood.

The high sulfuric acid concentration used in the hydrolysis of cellulose to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) leads to low yields due to the dissolution of both amorphous and semi-crystalline cellulose. The present study explored the use of steam explosion pretreatment before acid hydrolysis to enhance the crystallization of semi-crystalline/ non-crystalline cellulose and generating new CNC precursors with poplar wood as feedstock. The crystallinity of steam exploded poplar wood increased 1.

Current progress in lipid-based biofuels: Feedstocks and production technologies.

The expanding use of fossil fuels has caused concern in terms of both energy security and environmental issues. Therefore, attempts have been made worldwide to promote the development of renewable energy sources, among which biofuel is especially attractive. Compared to other biofuels, lipid-derived biofuels have a higher energy density and better compatibility with existing infrastructure, and their performance can be readily improved by adjusting the chemical composition of lipid feedstocks.

Incorporation of Biosolids as Water Replacement in a Two-Step Renewable Hydrocarbon Process: Hydrolysis of Brown Grease with Biosolids.

Abstract: The accumulating volumes of biosolids in lagoons worldwide have intensified the need to develop innovative wastewater treatment strategies. Here, we provide proof-of-concept for the incorporation of biosolids into the hydrolysis step of a two-step thermal conversion of lipids for production of renewable hydrocarbons, which can be utilized as renewable fuels. Brown grease was hydrolysed with biosolids or water at 260-280 °C for 60 min at a mass ratio of 1:1 feed to water or biosolids.

Pyrolysis of fatty acids derived from hydrolysis of brown grease with biosolids.

The escalating generation of biosolids and increasing regulations regarding their safe handling and disposal have created a great environmental challenge. Recently, biosolids have been incorporated into the hydrolysis step of a two-step thermal lipid conversion process to act as water replacement in the production of renewable chemicals and fuels. Here, the hexane extract recovered from hydrolysis of biosolids, lipids from brown grease hydrolyzed using either water (control) or biosolids as a water replacement, was pyrolyzed at 410-450 °C for 2 h.

Enzymatic modification of egg lecithin to improve properties.

This research studied the enzymatic modification of egg yolk phospholipids and its effect on physicochemical properties. Egg yolk lipids were extracted with food grade ethanol and egg phospholipids (ePL) produced by deoiling with acetone. Vegetable oils were used to interesterify ePL utilizing Lipozyme®: sn-1,3 specific lipase.

Two-step thermal conversion of oleaginous microalgae into renewable hydrocarbons.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the conversion of microalgal biomass to renewable chemicals and fuels through a two-step reaction and separation process. High density Chlorella protothecoides culture with 40% lipid accumulation (dwb) was produced in 10 L bioreactors and hydrolyzed in batch stainless steel reactors under subcritical conditions. After hydrolysis, fatty acids free of sulfur and low in nitrogen and salts, were recovered by hexane extraction.

Two-stage thermal conversion of inedible lipid feedstocks to renewable chemicals and fuels.

The aim of this work was to study the conversion of inedible, low cost lipid feedstocks to renewable hydrocarbons using a two stage thermal hydrolysis-pyrolysis method. Beef tallow, yellow grease, brown grease and cold pressed camelina oil were first hydrolyzed and the fatty acids produced were recovered and pyrolyzed in batch reactors. The pyrolysis products were identified and quantified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.