Advancing biomass refineries of the future requires efforts into not just appropriate conversion pathways (which is an active and exciting area of research), but also into the separation technologies and strategies that guarantee high yields and favorable techno-economics. Conventional separation technologies common in the refining and chemical industries (such as distillation) are not always the best choice for biomass processing. This is where innovative technologies such as membrane separations can play a critical role and are deserving of further research and development efforts.

Suggested Reading:

Mandalika, Anurag, Troy Runge, and Arthur Ragauskas. “Membrane Separations in Biomass Processing.” ChemPlusChem: e202400497.

Mandalika, Anurag, and Troy M. Runge. “Addition of corn stover arabinoxylan into hardwood during pulping for improved physical properties.” Tappi Journal 16.9 (2017): 495-504.