Author:
Onwucha C. N.,Talabi J. O.,Ajayi S. O.,Ehi-Eromosele C. O.,Ajanaku K. O.
Abstract
Abstract
The current rise in global energy demand has led to environmental concerns such as resource depletion and pollution. This has steered researchers towards exploring different renewable sources to achieve a sustainable circular bio-economy. Interestingly, the abundant nature of lignocellulose biomass (LCB) has attracted a lot of attention in the production of various specialty chemicals and fuels. The valorization of LCB requires that the recalcitrant structure of the biomass be broken down. However, the high capital cost, operating temperature, and several constraints that accompanythe pretreatment process make most of the pretreatment process economically unviable. Therefore, the quest for an environmentally benign pretreatment process led to the discovery of deep eutectic solvents (DES). They are classified as green solvents due to their biodegradable properties, lowcosts, eco-friendliness, enzyme compatibility, facile methods of synthesis, and recyclability. This review aims at giving information on LCB, Ionic liquids (ILs), and DES, the valorization of biomass to produce biofuel, and the recyclability of DES.