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Populus Wood Biomass for Efficient Biofuel and Chemical Production

Date:February, 27 2024

Country: United States

Plant Name:

    Poplar

Residue Name:

    Leaves

    Stems/Stalks

End Products

Fuel

Biofuel

Application

  • Improved Biomass Conversion: Enhances the efficiency of breaking down biomass into fuels, chemicals, and materials.
  • Biomaterial Optimization: Aids in the development of more sustainable and cost-effective bio-based products.

Description

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have created the first macromolecular model of the secondary cell wall in Populus wood, detailing the arrangement of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, they gained new insights into lignin's role in biomass recalcitrance. This model aims to improve the deconstruction of biomass for efficient conversion into fuels, chemicals, and materials. The project is funded by the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office and the Center for Bioenergy Innovation.

 

Pathway Description:

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is employed to analyze the structural arrangement of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the secondary cell wall. This structural insight aids in understanding how to efficiently deconstruct lignin and disentangle biomass. The process aims to enhance the conversion of plant material into fuels, chemicals, and materials by leveraging advanced computational models informed by detailed polymer interactions.

 

Source: Know More...

Tags: Biomass DeconstructionSolid State NMR

End Products

Fuel

Biofuel

Feedstock

Types of Feedstock

Forest residue

Name

Populus wood residue

Form

Solid Biomass

Commercials

Renewable and sustainable feedstock; widely available in forestry regions

Logistics

Harvested from managed forests or plantations

Pathways

Mechanical

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Stakeholders

Research/ Innovators

National Renewable Energy Laboratory