Progress in microwave pyrolysis conversion of agricultural waste to value-added biofuels: A batch to continuous approach

Abstract Microwave pyrolysis (MP) has emerged as a promising technique to valorize agricultural wastes (AW) into biofuels, comprising biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. To fill the research gap, we review the state-of-the-art MP conversion of AW into value-added biofuels, including the influence of feedstock composition, new reactor designs, operating conditions, catalytic applications, and reaction mechanisms. The techno-economic and environmental impacts are discussed together with key implications for future development. Microwave valorization of AW to biofuels represents an economically viable cum environmentally-benign approach by virtue of (i) high availability of AW, (ii) scalable process, (iii) great potentiality for continuous operation, and (iv) thermochemical process with positive energy ratio. For continuous MP, the microwave heating distribution, products yield, and reactor design have not yet fully explored due to the limited understanding on microwave propagation pattern, materials handling, and varying feedstock compositions. The utilization of AW as biofuels feedstock offers several environmental advantages in terms of improved biomass utilization, enhanced carbon sequestration, and lower sulphur emission. The toxicity of bio-oil can be reduced by adding metal oxide catalysts (CaO, CuO, MgO, and NiO) to lessen its content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The process of continuous MP can be optimized by coupling shaftless auger and multiple magnetron to improve the quality of the biofuel, and uniformity of microwave heating. It is envisaged that continuous conversion of AW to biofuels is a sustainable, low carbon footprint, and alternative energy generation route, provided that the appropriate catalyst, effective condenser, and self-purging condition are chosen.