Biomaterials Availability: Potential for Bioethanol Production

Abstract

Over the last decade, there has been increasing research interest in the value of biosourced materials from lignocellulosic biomass. Abundant sources of lignocellulosic biomass such as palm,napiergrass,luceanatree, urban waste, municipal solid waste, agricultural waste and other waste have the potential to become a sustainable source of biofuel. In Malaysia, dissolution of cellulose from palm biomass to produce ethanol as future biofuels is very promising since palm residues from palm industry are highly abundant. In addition, cellulose contents in palm wastes or residues are relatively high for instance from empty fruit bunch or palm trunk. An efficient pretreatment is highly required prior to processes which convert the lignocellulosic palm biomass to bioethanol. The kinds of processes needed nowadays are called as green technology based techniques which are environmental friendly. Various solvents have been applied to dissolve cellulose including various types of ionic liquid as well. Previously, other method such as acid hydrolysis pretreatment process cause many drawbacks due to their low rates of hydrolysis and extreme acidic conditions. The dissolution process of the lignocellulosic biomass with ionic liquids is at its better advantage due to better dissolution as compared to by using organic or inorganic solvents. Therefore, at the moment, ionic liquid is becoming more preferable in dissolving the lignocellulosic biomass or any palm residues for instance.