Exploring the Properties of the Torrefaction Process and Its Prospective in Treating Lignocellulosic Material

Abstract

The main objective of this review is to present the latest research results regarding the importance of the torrefaction process for different biomass materials in the last 12-year period. Despite the fact that the potential of renewable energy sources has been analyzed, research regarding that of energy derived from waste biomass still remains in the infancy state. Torrefaction is known to be one of the most effective methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of biomass. Among different types of torrefactions, the focus in this study is mostly on dry torrefaction. The influential factors, like temperature and residence time, and physico-chemical properties of torrefied products, and the prospective of torrefaction due to its reduced impact on environment, are discussed in-depth. This review provides valuable insights into the torrefaction process, which is conducive to upgrading biomass for achieving net zero carbon emissions, as it has been stated in several works that torrefied biomass can be used instead of coal.