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Biomass and its interactions for heat generation have received little attention. In this study, the woody biomass materials were Prosopis africana (PA), Harungana madascariences (HM), Vitrllaria paradoxa (VP), and Afzelia africana (AA). The composition (extractives, carbohydrate, and lignin) of the biomass was determined. The biomass was converted to charcoal in a traditional kiln. A thermo-kinetic examination of the charcoal samples was carried out. The kinetic parameters and potential reaction mechanisms involved in the decomposition process were both obtained using the integral (Flynn–Wall Ozawa) isoconversional methods in conjunction with the Coats-Redfern approach. The activation energy profiles for the charcoal samples in oxidizing atmospheres were 548 kJ/mol for AA, 274 kJ/mol for VP, 548 kJ/mol for PA, and 274 kJ/mol for HM. All charcoal samples underwent comprehensive, multi-step, complex reaction pathways for thermal degradation. The charcoal samples exhibit not only great potential for biochemical extraction but also for bioenergy applications. The significant amount of combustion characteristics in the raw biomass and charcoal samples indicates that each type of wood charcoal produced has more fixed carbon, less ash, and less volatile matter, all of which are desirable for the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass for the production of heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global demand for transportation fuels is projected to increase 40% by 2040, and biomass-derived fuels (biofuels) play a crucial role in substituting fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, biofuels are mainly consumed as blendstocks combined with petroleum-based fuels, and effective conversion technologies can address the quality challenges for offering standalone biofuels. Thermochemical conversion process is one of the most promising pathways among existing technologies for biofuel production. However, the major barriers are unwanted characteristics (e.g., thermal instability) of intermediate products, such as bio-oil, and required upgrading treatments for producing compatible fuels. This study highlights the merits and critical challenges of thermochemical conversion and physicochemical upgrading technologies for bio-blendstock production from lignocellulosic biomass. The novelty of this study lies in potential directions for future research through both critical and systematic literature reviews, and the proposed intensified process for lignocellulosic-based fuel blendstocks production. It is concluded that recovery and fractionation strategies (e.g., quenching and stripping) can maximize process yields and add values in the efficient conversion pathways. Effective quenching can stop secondary free radical reactions and improve liquid yields over gas and solid yields. Stripping process can improve process yield, catalyst lifespan, and thermal stability. It is further concluded that physicochemical treatments are not as effective as thermochemical treatments, but have advantages of mild operating conditions and potential for integrated solutions in conjunction with other treatments. [Display omitted] • This study reviews biomass conversion and bio-oil upgrading advancements. • Current thermochemical technologies and techniques are analyzed. • Process challenges are identified, and potential solutions are provided. • An intensified conversion and upgrading process is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]