Cited by 56Thermochemical Biomass Conversion ProcessesMunicipal Solid Waste ManagementEnergy and Environment Impacts

Reviewing Air Pollutants Generated during the Pyrolysis of Solid Waste for Biofuel and Biochar Production: Toward Cleaner Production Practices

Open access
Li, Simeng·2024·Sustainability

Abstract

The production of biofuels and biochar through pyrolysis is a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation and waste management. However, this process can inadvertently release various air pollutants into the atmosphere, potentially compromising its environmental benefits. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the gas pollutants associated with pyrolysis for biofuel and biochar production, as well as different variables affecting gas emissions. Key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been discussed in terms of their formations and emissions during pyrolysis processes. Furthermore, major factors influencing pollutant emissions, including feedstock composition, pyrolysis conditions, and combustion technologies have been examined with up-to-date examples. The review highlights the significance of emission control strategies, such as advanced reactor design, catalyst utilization, and the integration of realtime monitoring systems, in mitigating air pollution from pyrolysis processes. By shedding light on the environmental challenges associated with pyrolysis-based biofuel and biochar production, this article aims to encourage the development of cleaner and more sustainable approaches to harness the potential of solid waste conversion technologies.

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  • Gaseous biofuels offer potentially cleaner combustion leading to reduced pollutant emissions compared to some conventional fuels, versatility in application, and the ability to valorize diverse organic waste streams.

    “Specific advantages associated with using gaseous biofuels include potentially cleaner combustion leading to reduced pollutant emissions compared to some conventional fuels, versatility in application, and the ability to valorize diverse organic waste streams, although factors like process complexity, oxidant requirements (e.g., in gasification), and gas cleaning needs must be managed [233-235].”

    From Biofuels, E-Fuels, and Waste-Derived Fuels: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions (2025) · cites this paper as [233]

    The Introduction says pyrolysis can convert agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste into valuable products, supporting the waste-valorization point. Section 5.2 reports cleaner emissions through gas cleaning, but does not establish that gaseous biofuels themselves burn with fewer pollutants than conventional fuels; the passages also do not establish versatility of gaseous biofuels in application. (LLM, conf=0.85)

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  1. Joseph, A.M.; George, B.; Madhusoodanan, K.; Alex, R. Current status of sulphur vulcanization and devulcanization chemistry: Process of vulcanization. Rubber Sci. 2015, 28, 82-121.

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Authors
Li, S.
Affiliations
California State Polytechnic University (US)
Corresponding author
Li, Simeng
Venue
Sustainability
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2024-01-30
Volume
16
Issue
3
Pages
1169
ISSN
2071-1050 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4391362183
Cited by
56
References
218
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 11
FWCI
6.13
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Sustainability (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Waste Management and Disposal › Municipal Solid Waste Management
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Energy and Environment Impacts
Keywords
pyrolysis, biofuel production, biochar production, solid waste, air pollutant emissions, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, emission control, feedstock composition, pyrolysis conditions, catalysts, reactor design, real-time monitoring, cleaner production

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