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Progress in Chemistry 2007, No.0708 Previous issue Next issue

In this issue:

Special issues
The Development of Biodiesel Industry in Recent Years--Peculiarity, Predicament and Countermeasures
Min Enze*|Yao Zhilong
2007, 19 (0708): 1050-1059 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
The peculiarity of biodiesel industry in U.S.A, EU and India are reviewed. Newly emerging biodiesel feedstocks such as palm oil, Jatropha curcas and Algae have been attracted much attention. Newly developed biodiesel manufacturing process and recent R&D process of biodiesel producing technologies are introduced. Findings to meet the challenge of the rapid feedstocks prices rising are discussed. It is very important making high value chemicals to increase the profit.
Suggestions on the Development Strategy of Bioenergy in China
Kuang Tingyun1,2*,Bai Kezhi1,Yang Xiushan2
2007, 19 (0708): 1060-1063 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
In this paper, the present situation and development trend of bioenergy world wide are briefly introduced and the biomass production potencial of China in recent years and long terms is estimated. It is point out that study on the high-technology concerning bioenergy is key links in China. Suggestions on the bionergy research, such as increasing biomass resources, improving biomass processing techniques and energy transfer efficiency, are recommended.
Biomass Fast Pyrolysis for Liquid Fuels
Lu Qiang,Zhu Xifeng,Li Quanxin,Guo Qingxiang,Zhu Qingshi**
2007, 19 (0708): 1064-1071 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Recent progress in biomass fast pyrolysis technology for bio-oil production is briefly reviewed. The chemical composition and fuel properties of bio-oil are described, bio-oil is a complex mixture of water and oxygenated compounds, it possesses many unique properties and characterized as high in water and oxygen content, low in caloric value, acid and corrosive to common metal materials, chemically and thermally unstable, and non-miscible with petroleum fuels. Based on this, bio-oil has to be upgraded before it can be used as high-grade liquid fuels, some upgrading methods of relatively well developed are discussed, which include catalytic cracking, catalytic hydrotreatment, hot vapor filtration, solvent addition, catalytic esterification, emulsification with diesel, as well as production of hydrogen-rich syngas for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis. The key problems involved in these upgrading methods are also discussed.
Advancing Cellulosic Ethanol Technology in China
Bin Yang*,Charles E. Wyman
2007, 19 (0708): 1072-1075 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
China now faces very serious energy shortages and environmental pollution problems. Thus, the Chinese government is encouraging ethanol use as an alternative transportation fuel by introducing fuel ethanol production and distribution within several provinces. Although the current emphasis is on ethanol production from corn and other grains, China has huge quantities of low cost cellulosic biomass that could significantly expand ethanol production volume and reduce feedstock costs. Over the last 20 years, a number of technical advances have dropped the cost of making cellulosic ethanol from more than $4.00/gallon to only about $1.20-1.50/gallon for biomass costing about $44 per ton. At this cost, ethanol is competitive for blending with gasoline, and several companies are working to build the first commercial cellulosic ethanol plants. Although these initial facilities will be relatively small to capitalize on niche opportunities and manage risk, economies of scale appear to favor larger plants even though delivered biomass costs increase with demand, and co-production of ethanol, chemicals, and electric power can provide important synergies. Advances in overcoming the recalcitrance of cellulosics are still needed to achieve competitive costs without subsidies, and strategic opportunities have been defined to reduce the cost of cellulosic ethanol sufficiently to become a low-cost pure liquid transportation fuel.
Microbial Cell Factories and Biorefinery
Zhang Yanping,Li Yin,Ma Yanhe**
2007, 19 (0708): 1076-1083 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Biorefinery is a new industrial mode substituting renewable biomass for unrenewable fossil resource to produce bioenergy or chemicals and securing the sustainable development of social economics. Microbial cell factories, the core of biorefinery technology, were supported by many governments to keep ahead in the field of biorefinery. In this article, cell factories and biorefinery, the new industrial modes, are briefly introduced. The important developments of biorefinery cell factories in technology and application are reviewed, based on which several key issues are addressed and future perspectives are discussed.
The Status Quo and Prospects of Fuel Ethanol Process Technology in China
Yue Guojun*,Wu Guoqing,Hao Xiaoming
2007, 19 (0708): 1084-1090 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
The status quo of fuel ethanol industry in the world is reviewed. In this paper, referring to the present production situation of fuel ethanol plants ,owned by COFCO limited, at Zhao Dong city in Heilongjiang province, the corn ethnoal process technology in China is highlighted. The difference of corn ethnoal process technology between domestic and abroad is compared. Additionally, the processing technology of fuel ethanol in China using non-grain feedsock such as cassava, sorghum and cellulose have been emphasized. The future development of fuel ethanol technology is also discussed based on improvement of the fuel ethanol processing technology, reduction of the fuel ethanol high cost, and exploitation new processing technology using cheap feedstocks.
Exploitation and Utilization of Bio-Energy
Chen, xi1**,Han Zhiqun2,Kong Fanhua1,Hu Xuteng1
2007, 19 (0708): 1091-1097 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
The paper briefly introduces the features of bio-energy and summarises the significance for developing bio-energy. The global status of bio-energy exploration and development are comprehensively overviewed. The bio-energy development plan, strategy and progress in PetroChina,Ltd are simply introduced. PetroChina focus its bio-energy development strategy on biodiesel and ethanol fuel. On the basis of Company’s bio-energy longterm development strategy and combined with the practices, the key chemical technology requirements to develop biodiesel and ethanol fuel are discussed.Suggestions and comments for the development are proposed.
Industrialization of Cellulosic Ethanol

Qu Yinbo**

2007, 19 (0708): 1098-1108 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
The cellulosic ethanol has attracted great attention since it can be used as a substitute of liquid fossil fuel to relax energy shortage, to reduce environment pollution and to develop rural economics. Commercialization of cellulosic ethanol meets several difficulties: transposition of low density raw material, rigorous pretreatment needed, low efficiency of cellulolytic enzyme system and pentose fermentation. However, urgent social demand has forced the governments and companies to invest a lot to setup pilot-plant-scale facilities to develop the technology. Biorefinery of lignocellulosics to produce ethanol with some high-value co-product such as xylitol will be a breakthrough point for the new technology.The progress and prospects on industrialization of cellulosic ethanol are given in this article.
The Fuel Ethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum Stalk
Liu Li,Sun Junshe**,Kang Liping,Liu Ping
2007, 19 (0708): 1109-1115 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
The progress of fuel ethanol production from sweet sorghum stalk is introduced in this paper, including methods of preserving raw material, liquid-state fermentation of juice, solid-stated fermentation of smashed stalks, pretreatment of stalk bagasse and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The key technologies of converting sweet sorghum stalks into fuel ethanol are discussed in detail, which are raw materials preservation and pretreatment of stalk bagasse . A more economical and feasible process flow, found promising for further investigation is suggested.
The Crucial Problems and Recent Advance on Producing Fuel Alcohol by Fermentation of Straw
Chen Hongzhang**,Qiu Weihua
2007, 19 (0708): 1116-1121 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
The utilization of wheat straw to produce fuel ethanol is an issue which complexity has been internationally acknowledged. The article has analyzed the reasons that limit the value-added conversion of straw considering the component inhomogeneity of straw. Furthermore, the crucial problems of straw to fuel alcohol were also analyzed. The research progress on these crucial problems are investigated, which includs the pretreatment of straw materials, the production of cellulase, the enzymatic hydrolysis of straws to fuel alcohol, and the industrial demonstration project of producing straw to fuel alcohol. The industrialization demonstration project of producing fuel alcohol by lignocellulosic biomass enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation laid a solid base for the large-scale, industrial, low-cost production of fuel alcohol from straw.
Pretreatment Technology of Corn Stover for Ethanol Production
Sun Junshe1**,Su Donghai2,Liu Li1
2007, 19 (0708): 1122-1128 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Ethanol is a promising alternative energy source for the limited crude oil. Now Ethanol, which mainly comes from grains, has been used for fuel in a few provinces in China. However,the aged grain which is used to produce ethanol is limited. In China the biomass that could be used to produce ethanol in large quantity is lignocellulose. The main challenges of ethanol production from lignocellulosic materials are the situation of low yield and high cost of the hydrolysis process. Pretreatment, the critical technology during the transformation of lignocellulosic materials into ethanol, can significantly enhance the hydrolysis of cellulose, and then reduce the cost of ethanol production. Progress in research and development of pretreatment is mainly reviewed in this paper, and the advantages and disadvantages of different method of pretreatment are summarized and analyzed in detail. And the prospect of pretreatment is also discussed.
Fuel Ethanol Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Zhang Suping,Yan Yongjie**,Ren Zhengwei,Li Tingchen
2007, 19 (0708): 1129-1133 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is considered one of the most promising feedstock for producing fuel ethanol due to its global availability and environmental benefits. The conversion process of fuel ethanol utilizing lignocellulosic biomass involves hydrolysis and fermentation. In this paper, the mechanisms of conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol are introduced. The technological progresses of fuel ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass is extensively reviewed and the key problems to be solved of different processes are also discussed. Meanwhile, the technological economics analyses of the process are provided. Finally，the status of practical application and the prospect of industrial application of fuel ethanol producing from lignocellulosic biomass are presented.
Depolymerization of Agricultural Stalks
Zong Zhimin1,Zhao Wei1,Tang Shirong1,Zhou Lei1,Xia Chunjie1,Wei Xianyong1,2**
2007, 19 (0708): 1134-1140 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Crop stalks (CSs) are important biomass resources. This article describes the importance of efficient utilization of CSs and the significance of CSs depolymerization for developing new technology of efficient utilization of CSs in view of the objective of China for building a resource-saving and environment-friendly country. The advances in the studies on several typical technologies for CSs depolymerization, analyses and utilization of products from CSs depolymerization are reviewed and development direction for the study on CSs depolymerization is predicted.
Chemical Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosics into Fermentable Sugars
He Beihai,Lin Lu**,Sun Runcang,Sun Yong
2007, 19 (0708): 1141-1146 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Energy shortage is one of the international knotty problems remaining to be solved. Research on bioethanol transformed from lignocelluloses is the frontline of biomass-based technology fields. The key from lignocelluloses to bioethanol is how to produce fermentable sugars effectively from hydrolysis of cellulose. Technologies of lignocelluloses hydrolysis remain still to be solved. In this paper, research progress on chemical hydrolysis of lignocelluloses to produce fermentable sugars effectively is presented and suggestions are given..
Enhancing Hydrolysis Efficiency of Cellulase and Reducing the Cost of Saccharification
Su Donghai1,Sun Junshe2**
2007, 19 (0708): 1147-1152 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
In China the biomass that could be used to produce ethanol in large quantity is lignocellulose. The main challenges of ethanol production from lignocellulosic materials are the saccharification process by which lignocellulosic was transformed into sugar. The methods of enhancing hydrolysis efficiency of cellulase are as follows: (1) the lignocellulose is pretreated, (2) the optimal condition of cellulase hydrolysis is studied, (3) cellulase recycle use is conducted, (4) the reasonable fermentation process is adopted, and so on. The structures of cellulose and hydrolysis way of cellulase are analyzed. The progress in research on a few focused pretreatment and the effect of different pretreatment method on hydrolysis efficiency are mainly reviewed in this paper, at the same time the optimal condition of cellulase hydrolysis, cellulase recycle use, and the reasonable fermentation process are analyzed.
Plant Cell Wall Proteins & Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Lignocellulose
Han Yejun,Chen Hongzhang**
2007, 19 (0708): 1153-1158 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Lignocellulose is a key feedstock for production of bioenergy and biobased products. The structure of lignocellulose is highly complicated. The enzymatic efficiency of lignocellulose is influenced by the congregated structure and components of which. The main cell wall proteins of plant and the potential effects on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose are reviewed. Study of the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose from the activities of plant cell wall proteins affords new insight to investigate the mechanisms of enzymatic hydrolysis and efficient hydrolysis ways.
Systematic Analysis of Yeast Response to Inhibitors
Xia Jinmei,Lin Fengming,Yuan Yingjin**
2007, 19 (0708): 1159-1163 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
It is widely known that the presence of multiple inhibitors produced during the biomass-to-ethanol process has obvious inhibitory effects to yeast. In fact, the inhibition effect of the hydrolysis-accompanying small molecules is one of the several big obstacles retarding the development of biomass-to-ethanol process. Scientists have made a lot of efforts in conquering this problem. Many facts have been found. It is noticed that, with the presence of inhibitors, yeast has corresponding changes on all three levels: genome, proteomel and metabolome level. What is more, the changes on different levels are correlative. The complexity of investigating the comprehensive response of yeast to inhibitors calls for the application of system methodology. With its high-throughput analyzing technologies and bioinformatics tools, system level analysis is promising in finally solving the bewildering problem. In this paper, the notion and approaches of system methodology in figuring out the mechanism of the inhibitors tolerance of yeast are reviewed; the main research techniques and progresses are summarized; the prospect of systems methodology in studying the inhibitors-tolerance of yeast is discussed.
Energy Production with Light-industry Biomass Process Residues Rich in Cellulose
Xu Guangwen**,Ji Wenfeng,Wan Yinhua,Liu Chunzhao
2007, 19 (0708): 1164-1176 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
As a kind of typical process industries, light industry with agricultural feedstock has to produce solid waste materials, which are called process residues, along with its conversion of the feedstock into food, drink, medicine and paper products.Typical process residues from light industry include bagasse, lees of spirit, alcohol and vinegar, grounds of Chinese herbs, tea and coffee, cakes of oil and soy sauce, debris of antibiotic and organic acids, and soluble grains in liquors. Being produced in certain industrial processes, these residues represent a kind of biomass resources that are concentrated already and rich in cellulose, protein or lignin. But they are also potential pollutants because the residues are easy to rot at their water contents of 50-80%, while some of them are even slightly acidic and alkali. The article concerns the comprehensive utilization of light-industry biomass process residues. On composition basis it argues that production of energy is the suitable way to use the residues rich in cellulose, including bagasse, lees of spirit and vinegar, grounds of Chinese herbs, tea and coffee, and leftover scraps in paper industry. After a discussion on the feasible technical routes to implement the energy production, an overview is made to clarify the status and trends of the related technologies covering dewatering/drying, combustion and gasification for thermochemical conversion and ethanol and biogas fermentations for bioconversion. This resulted in a suggestion of an array of optional technologies for producing energy from cellulosic light-industry biomass process residues at different energy capacities.
The Mode of Cycle Economy Utilization of Stalk——the Technique System of Clean Production by the Co-Production of Pulp and Organic Fertilizer
Zhang Xiaoyong*,Mo Haitao,Jiang Qipei,Li Zuohu
2007, 19 (0708): 1177-1184 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Co-production of pulp and organic fertilizer is an effective method to realize clean utilization of stalk. In this paper, the evolution of stalk utilization and clean pulp technique are reviewed in detail, the content of this cycle economic mode and the prospect in future are introduced. The mode apply the melt hydrolyzation technology to prepare KOH and phosphorus fertilizer in order to reduce the material cost, and use KOH to cook the straw to produce pulp. The black liquor rich with Potassium can be used to produce the liquid fertilizer, solid organic fertilizer and irrigation water, and the liquor can be entirely achieved resource utilization, therefore no waste would be released out of the whole system. The straw come from the agriculture, and the fertilizer made from the straw return to serve the farming, at the same time the pulp which is urgent for paper industry is prepared. So the technique system of clean production by the co-production of pulp and fertilizer is the good way to realize the clean and effective utilization of straw resource.
Progress of the biodiesel and 1,3-Propanediol Integrated Production
Liu Hongjuan1,Du Wei2,Liu Dehua2*
2007, 19 (0708): 1185-1189 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
As a kind of renewable energy, biodiesel has been widely used in the United States and European Union Countries. Glycerol as a by-product is yielded at about 10% of biodiesel during the process of biodiesel production .How to convert glycerol has become a common problem which has to be resolved if considering large amount of biodiesel production. 1,3-propanediol is a valuable chemical material and especially it could be copolymerizes with terephthalic acid (or methyl ester) to form polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), which has aroused people's interesting. The technology of integrated production of biodiesel and 1,3-propanediol can solve the utilization of byproduct glycerol of biodiesel production and reduce the cost of 1,3-propanediol production. The study progress of biodiesel and 1,3-propanediol integrated production and its application are introduced in this paper.
Bio-Fuel and Chemicals by Thermochemical Treating of Biomass

Wang Ze,Lin Weigang,Song Weili**,Yao Jianzhong,Lu Changbo,Du Lin

2007, 19 (0708): 1190-1197 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Biomass is a kind of source of renewable and environmentally benign energy. Recently, more and more attentions have been focused on its research and development, with a large amount of literatures. In this paper, the techniques on the bio-fuel and chemicals by thermochemical treating of biomass are summarized, supplemented, and briefly commented, on the basis of the reported reviews and newly published papers. The contents of the catalytic upgrading of the bio-oil, the aqueous-phase reforming for alkanes, and the supercritical water / hydrothermal treatment for chemicals are introduced emphatically.
The Industrial Processes and Products of Biorefineries
Wang Qingzhao,Zheng Zongbao,Liu Zihe|Zhao Xueming**
2007, 19 (0708): 1198-1205 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
The depletion of fossile resources and the serious environmental pollution made by the fossile combustion have made the biorefinery one necessary choice. The biorefinery and oilrefinery is compared firstly in this paper, then the basic concept of biorefinery, basic principles and main framework is introduced. The biorefinery related bioprocess are addressed in detail, which include the pretreatment of biomass, enzyme hydrolysis and fermentaion stain improvement . Finally, we outlined the important existing and potential biobased products in the carbohydrate, lipids and protein family trees. The producing processes , research trends and the facing opportunities and challenges of some important biobased chemicals are also illustrated.
High-Value Chemicals from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Scientific Research Platform of the Ministry of Education,State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineer,South China University of Technology,Guangzhou 510640,China
2007, 19 (0708): 1206-1216 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Utilization of biomass resources to develop high-value chemicals is focused on in the present century due to the abatement of the fossil resources. Through pathway of orientated degradation or decomposition of lignocellulosic biomass, many high-value organic substances of small molecules such as glucose, xylose, phenylpropane units and their dimmers, gaseous substances such as CH4 and CO, liquid substances such as organic acids, aldehydes, alcohols and other platform chemicals such as furfurals, levulinic acids, xylitols and ethanols can be produced. Furthermore, these small molecules can converse to more high-value chemicals and can replace the petroleum-based chemicals step by step in the future, which are meaningful to the sustainable development of economy and society.
Biomorphic High-Performance Materials
Wang Qing1,2,Wang Yingyong1,Guo Xiangyun1*
2007, 19 (0708): 1217-1222 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Biomass exhibits complex hierarchical cellular structures due to the long-term evolution and development. These structures provide quick and effective passages for the transport of water and nutrition in the growth of living beings. Biomorphic high-performance materials converted from biomass possess not only excellent mechanical properties from themselves but also morphological and microstructural features similar to their source biomass. Due to the hierarchical porous structures with pore size ranging from nanometer to micrometer scale, these materials have potential applications in many fields such as heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption/separation, exhaust gas treatment and so on. Nowadays, different kinds of biomass have been employed to prepare biomorphic high-performance materials. The review introduce the recent progress in the preparations and applications of biomorphic materials.
Latest Key Technologies and the Applications of Industrial Microbiology
Jia Huikun,Zhang Yinan,Feng Jinhui,Xu Ping*
2007, 19 (0708): 1223-1228 |
Published: 17 August 2007
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Abstract
Recently, with the development of the metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc, the industrial microbial technology is under the way of innovation, and is exploiting the new field, such as the electronic technology and nano-micro technology. This paper describes several latest industrial microbial technologies in detail, which are the synthesis of the chiral diols by epoxide hydrolase from microbiology, cofactors regeneration for redox with FDH, production of nano/micro wire by the phage display, metabolic network rebuilding for conventional fermentation and the application of the organic solvent tolerance and the metagenomics technology.