View article

Infrastructure compatible (100% oxygen-free) second-generation biofuels are under development as alternatives to petroleum-based fuels to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, address energy security, and stimulate domestic energy markets. Different technological routes, in particular, thermochemical and biochemical ones can be used to convert biomass to multiple biofuel products (renewable diesel, gasoline and jet fuel) and value added coproducts (electricity, organic and inorganic chemicals).

While the development of second-generation biofuels is promising, commercialization has been slow. Therefore, understanding the current state of technology for multiple biomass conversion processes under development could help identify the technical barriers to be addressed in order to move towards commercialization. Herein, we review the environmental, economic and technological aspects of alternative biofuel production technologies by using life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis and technological readiness levels to examine specific metrics and evaluate tradeoffs among thermochemical and biochemical routes.