(387g) Green Solvent Use and Opportunities in Biomass Processing

As solvents comprise a large portion of processing waste and energy use for separations, the selection of alternatives with improved safety, environmental, and recyclability would significantly improve process sustainability. As new applications expand in the field of biomass refining and valorization, appropriate solvent development and usage will aid in viable implementation. This work presents an overview of green solvent applications with specific application geared towards biomass production. Particular solvent needs for biomass fractions to produce fuels and value-added products are presented. Green solvent metrics with respect to functionality, and environmental, safety, and health impacts from a process and life cycle view are also addressed and applied to conventional and neoteric solvents. Current and potential applications of various solvents for extractions and conversions are provided for consideration in a biorefinery setting with focus on research in supercritical CO₂ applications.