Thermochemical Characterization of Biomass for Energy Production
Summary
Thermochemical characterisation of biomass encompasses a suite of analytical techniques designed to elucidate the fuel properties and conversion behaviour of lignocellulosic feedstocks. Proximate and ultimate analyses yield fundamental data on moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content and elemental composition. Calorimetric measurements determine higher and lower heating values, providing benchmarks for energy density. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry probe thermal degradation pathways and reaction enthalpies across pyrolysis, gasification and combustion regimes. Advanced methods such as air classification, hydrothermal carbonisation and hybrid biochemical–thermochemical schemes have been developed to refine feedstock quality and enhance conversion efficiency. The resulting data underpin reactor design, process optimisation and emission control, guiding the development of distributed and centralised biorefineries. Globally, these insights support the deployment of biomass conversion technologies for heat, power and bio‐oil production, contribute to decarbonisation of industrial processes and inform sustainable waste management strategies.
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Thermochemical Characterization of Biomass for Energy Production publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in thermochemical characterization of biomass for energy production across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Proximate analysis: Quantification of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash to assess fuel behaviour.
Ultimate analysis: Determination of elemental composition (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur) to predict combustion and gasification performance.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): Measurement of mass change as a function of temperature to identify decomposition stages.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): Technique to measure heat flows associated with thermal transitions and reaction enthalpies.
Higher heating value (HHV): Total energy released per unit mass upon complete combustion including condensation of water vapour.
Gasification: Conversion of biomass into syngas through partial oxidation at elevated temperatures.
Pyrolysis: Thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen to produce bio‐oil, char and gas.
Hydrothermal carbonisation: Treatment of wet biomass under subcritical water conditions to yield energy‐dense hydrochar.
Air classification: Mechanical separation of biomass fractions based on particle size and density to enrich combustible content.
References
- Evaluation of the Intermediate Values of the TGA Curves as Indicators of the Proximal Analysis of Biomass. Agronomy (2023).
- Evaluation of the Bioenergy Potential of Blends (Green Coconut Shells and Fish Scales) as a Feedstock in Thermochemical Processes for Clean Energy Production. Processes (2024).
- The effect of air separations on fast pyrolysis products for forest residue feedstocks. Fuel (2024).
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