Biomass Conversion and Green Chemistry

Chemicals and biofuels can be obtained from biological systems (biomass). Currently, biomass expenditures should be decreased by planning alternate methods and catalytic arrangements, because those used for hydrocarbons have not been efficiently adapted for the molecular structures of biological compounds. To avoid competitiveness with food sources, lignocellulosic feedstocks must to be used differently for expected yields, mostly in the biological production of fuel. A valuation of the life-cycle of feedstocks should be completed to determine environmental impacts and can be used as a exploratory tool for the development of products. Reasonable and modern advance needs nearing destruction, practical incomes of life. For the development of sustainable, low-cost, natural, basic materials, novel approaches in research, manufacturing, and the economy are crucial. This chapter focuses on cost-efficient tools and processes to convert biomass into valuable biological fuels and bioproducts, with particular emphasis on biorefinery concepts to create the diverse feedstocks that are used to manufacture high-value products. This chapter also explores the biological characteristics of developments, because the use of renewables as raw materials does not exempt them from green chemistry principles.