Context: Scientists at CSIR-IICT have developed a greener method to convert sugarcane bagasse into high-quality bio-oil. The approach uses Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) with Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES), improving efficiency and sustainability.
EXPLANATION:
- Bagasse: fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane (agro-waste rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin). India generates ~90–100 million tonnes annually.
- Current use: mostly burnt in sugar mills for heat/electricity (low-value, emission-intensive).
- Problem: underutilisation; limited conversion into high-value fuels/chemicals.
- Change: converts bagasse into liquid biofuel (bio-oil) with higher energy value, cleaner fuel, better economic returns.
HYDROTHERMAL LIQUEFACTION (HTL):
- Converts wet biomass (like bagasse with moisture) into crude-like bio-oil using high temperature & pressure in water.
- “No drying needed” = no need to remove moisture from biomass before processing, saving energy.
- Outputs: bio-oil + gas + char + aqueous phase.
DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS (DES):
- Green solvents made by mixing natural compounds → act as eco-friendly catalysts/solvents.
- Non-toxic, biodegradable, low-cost.
HOW HTL + DES WERE USED SMARTLY:
- DES used inside HTL as both catalyst + solvent.
- Improves breakdown of biomass → higher yield (~52.8%).
- Enhances fuel quality (higher heating value, better composition).
Reduces energy use and environmental impact simultaneously.
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