• Energy Research
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The combustion quality of three perennial wild plant species Tanacetum vulgare L., Centaurea nigra L. and Artemisia vulgaris L. was investigated in comparison to the energy yield obtained from anaerobic digestions of these biomasses. Combustion resulted in 1.5-2.8 times higher energy yield compared to anaerobic digestion. All wild plants showed a similar higher heating value to Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter and Panicum virgatum L. (16.0-17.0 MJ kg-1). The ash-melting behavior of all wild plants was like Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby, since the ash did not sinter at 1200 °C. However, Artemisia vulgaris L. had highest ash content (5.2-5.7% of dry matter) with a low ash melting behavior (1000 °C) attributed to a high potassium content and calculated phase composition. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to select the wild plants to meet the requirements for their use as solid biofuels in residential and commercial applications.

The aim of this study is to present and apply a quick screening method and to identify the most promising bioethanol derivatives using an early-stage sustainability assessment method that compares a bioethanol-based conversion route to its respective petrochemical counterpart. The method combines, by means of a multi-criteria approach, quantitative and qualitative proxy indicators describing economic, environmental, health and safety and operational aspects. Of twelve derivatives considered, five were categorized as favorable (diethyl ether, 1,3-butadiene, ethyl acetate, propylene and ethylene), two as promising (acetaldehyde and ethylene oxide) and five as unfavorable derivatives (acetic acid, n-butanol, isobutylene, hydrogen and acetone) for an integrated biorefinery concept.