Difference between revisions of "Microwave treatment"

The breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass is induced  via dielectric polarisation<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|title=Microwave heating processing as alternative of pretreatment in second-generation biorefinery: An overview|year=2017-03|author=Alejandra Aguilar-Reynosa, Aloia Romaní, Rosa Ma. Rodríguez-Jasso, Cristóbal N. Aguilar, Gil Garrote, Héctor A. Ruiz|journal=Energy Conversion and Management|volume=136|page=50–65|doi=10.1016/j.enconman.2017.01.004}}</ref>. Compared to other thermal treatments, the technology brings several advantages, such as reduced plant footprint, higher throughput, higher reaction rates, higher yield and purity, which has recently led to greater interest<ref name=":0" />. However a disadvantage an unequal distribution of the applied microwave power through non-homogeneous material (such as differences in composition, geometry, size)<ref name=":1" />.

The process can also be combined with chemical treatments utilising chemicals such as [[Hydrolysis#Alkali|alkaline]] (to remove lignin) and [[Hydrolysis#Acid Acid|acid]] (to remove hemicellulose) solutions, ammonia, and [[Hydrolysis#Metal_salts|metal salts]]<ref name=":0" />.