The potential of microwave technology for the recovery, synthesis and manufacturing of chemicals from bio-wastes

Through a series of case studies it is demonstrated that microwave dielectric heating can be a powerfultool to recover and synthesize valuable molecules from a wide range of biomass types. In addition, undermicrowave irradiation the production of chemicals from biomass proceeds at markedly lower temper-atures (up to 150°C) compared to conventional heating. This has a secondary benefit in that moleculeswith a high degree of functionality are produced while conventional heating tends to produce a greatproportion of lower value gases. Furthermore, the technical set-up of a microwave reactor can easilyaccommodate for an in-situ separation of acids and valuable products therewith improving the shelf lifeof the latter. The benefits of combining hydrothermal conditions with microwave irradiation are alsoillustrated. In addition, a specialized case of selective heating in a biphasic reaction system is discussed,allowing for improved yields and selectivity. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.