Enhancing carbon-negative emission technologies through biomass integration

Conventional biomass conversion technologies, such as combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion, are considered carbon neutral since the carbon released originates from the atmospheric CO₂ absorbed during biomass photosynthesis from the perspective of principles. By integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) with bio-energy processes, the overall system can achieve a carbon-negative footprint. Various CCS technologies can be employed depending on the applicability and efficiency, which vary according to the CO₂ parameters. The integration of bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) encompasses technologies such as fermentation, oxy-fuel combustion, chemical looping, calcium looping, and alkaline thermal treatment with carbon mineralization. These methods exhibit substantial potentials, especially when the released CO₂ is concentrated or readily available for storage, leading to carbon-negative emission. Moreover, carbonization technologies such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization convert biomass carbon into solid materials, rendering them carbon negative in principle of carbon flow. This comprehensive review paper explores a wide range of biomass-based carbon-negative emission technologies, in contrast to previous reviews that typically focus on a specific pathway or technology. It systematically compares these technologies in terms of CO₂-related parameters, energy conversion efficiency, carbon negativity, economic viability, and commercialization status. Moreover, the review delves into the challenges and opportunities inherent in advancing carbon-negative emission technologies driven by biomass, offering valuable insights for future developments in this critical field.