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Hydrothermal liquefaction: A promising technology for renewable energy and environmental clean-up applications
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This review examines hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), a technology that converts wet biomass into bio-crude oil under high temperature and pressure, with applications in both renewable energy and environmental cleanup. The authors discuss how HTL can be used to process various waste materials, including plastic-contaminated biomass, into useful fuel products. The technology shows promise as a way to address both energy needs and environmental contamination challenges simultaneously.
Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has emerged as an effective thermochemical technology that sustainably converts wet biomass into biocrude, which is the most significant precursor for renewable energy applications such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It has also been deployed for addressing environmental challenges such as removing hazardous contaminants. The ultimate aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art HTL research, focusing on its potential applications in biocrude and environmental remediation. The review covers various biomass feedstocks, process parameters, and other aid-in methods underlying HTL. Key findings from recent studies are discussed, highlighting the efficiency of HTL in producing biocrude oil, higher heating value, and energy recovery. Likewise, the advantages and disadvantages of integrating HTL and anaerobic digestion with respect to addressing downstream waste are explored. The current studies and limitations of biocrude-based SAF have been updated. Furthermore, the review summarises the critical role of HTL in removing environmental pollutants (e.g., PFAS, microplastic, bioactive/organic contaminants, and heavy metals). Finally, a discussion of the challenges (e.g., the variability and inconsistency of the feedstock, process optimisation, biocrude quality, etc.) and future prospects for HTL technology, emphasising its role in promoting sustainable and clean energy solutions, will be concluded. • The HTL biocrude yield and energy recovery with various feedstocks are reviewed. • The benefits of the integration of HTL with anaerobic digestion are discussed. • HTL sustainable aviation fuel and current commercialisation barriers are explained. • Eliminating hazardous contaminants (e.g., PFAS) using HTL is examined. • The performance of engine tests using upgraded biocrude is reviewed.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics degradation through hydrothermal liquefaction of wastewater treatment sludge
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Researchers tested whether hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) — a high-temperature, high-pressure process that converts sewage sludge into bio-crude oil — could also destroy microplastics in the sludge, finding it reduced microplastic numbers by 76% and mass by 97%, with no microplastics detected in the bio-crude product. This suggests HTL could serve a dual purpose: producing renewable fuel while significantly reducing microplastic pollution from the sludge that would otherwise be spread on farmland.
The fate of microplastics when making sludge into crude oil – the impact of a hydrothermal liquefaction process on microplastics in wastewater treatment plant sludge.
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Researchers investigated what happens to microplastics in wastewater sludge when the sludge is converted to bio-crude oil using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). They found that HTL processing transformed most microplastics into organic compounds incorporated into the crude oil product, effectively mineralizing them rather than leaving them as persistent particles. The study suggests HTL could serve a dual purpose of both producing biofuel and destroying sludge-bound microplastics.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge for circular bioeconomy: Focus on lignocellulose wastes, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals
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Researchers reviewed how a high-heat water process called hydrothermal liquefaction can convert sewage sludge — which is loaded with microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and plant waste — into usable biofuel while neutralizing many of these contaminants. This approach offers a promising way to tackle the growing problem of sewage sludge disposal while recovering energy, though challenges remain in scaling it up economically.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of plastics: a survey of the effect of reaction conditions on the reaction efficiency
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This review summarizes how hydrothermal liquefaction, a process that uses hot pressurized water, can be used to chemically recycle waste plastics. Researchers examined how different reaction conditions affect the efficiency of breaking down plastics into useful products. The study suggests that this technique holds promise as a practical approach to addressing the global plastic waste crisis.
Hydrothermal carbonization of plastic waste: A review of its potential in alternative energy applications
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Researchers reviewed how hydrothermal carbonization — a process that converts materials into a coal-like substance using heat and water under pressure — can transform plastic waste into useful products like solid fuels, catalysts, and materials for energy storage devices. While the technology is promising, challenges like variable plastic feedstock quality and scaling up production must be addressed before widespread commercial use.
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