Green Pretreatment Techniques for Enhanced Delignification of Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Case Study of Biomass Waste in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract The increasing global demand for sustainable energy sources and environmentally conscious materials has driven research into efficiently utilizing lignocellulosic biomass. Lignocellulose, a complex composite material composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, holds promise for producing renewable fuels, bioproducts, and biomaterials. However, the inherent recalcitrance of lignin presents a significant challenge in accessing the valuable polysaccharides within biomass. Delignification, a crucial step in biomass pretreatment, involves selective lignin removal to enhance cellulose and hemicellulose accessibility for conversion processes. This review paper explores green pretreatment techniques to improve delignification efficiency. Green pretreatment methods prioritize sustainability by minimizing harsh chemical use and energy consumption. Techniques such as steam explosion, organosolv, and alkali treatment have been examined for their potential to delignify biomass while reducing environmental impact effectively. These techniques enhance lignocellulosic biomass’s suitability for various downstream applications. Indonesia is a nation endowed with abundant agricultural and forestry resources, and the challenge of biomass waste management is of paramount importance. As a major agricultural producer, Indonesia generates substantial biomass waste, including crop residues and palm oil byproducts. Effective waste management aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to renewable energy and circular economy goals. This review provides an inclusive overview of delignification methods, specifically focusing on green pretreatment techniques within the Indonesian biomass waste context. By exploring the mechanisms and benefits of environmentally friendly techniques, this study sheds light on their potential to address Indonesia’s unique challenges in biomass waste management. Economic and environmental considerations are also discussed to determine the feasibility of integrating green pretreatment into Indonesia’s biomass utilization framework.