Comprehensive Study of Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Efficient Energy Recovery

Abstract

This study summarizes research conducted over the past decade on the thermal decomposition kinetics of various biomass residues aimed at energy recovery. The focus is on studies employing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which remains a central tool for determining kinetic parameters. Two main categories of methods are reviewed: model-free (isoconversional) approaches and model-fitting methods based on predefined reaction mechanisms. While significant advances have been made, the study highlights recurring limitations, such as the difficulty of capturing the complexity of biomass decomposition and the inconsistencies in kinetic parameter interpretation. Across the literature, there is a growing consensus on the need to enhance the reliability and representativeness of current models. In response, this work outlines future research directions, including the development of advanced kinetic models that better reflect multistep mechanisms, improvements in experimental protocols, and the adoption of modern data analysis techniques (e.g., machine learning, statistical modeling) to enhance accuracy and reproducibility.