Microwave Heating Assisted Biorefinery of Biomass
This chapter debates the potential of the biorefinery of biomass using microwave heating. First, the essential information regarding electromagnetic radiation is explained and the pros and cons of microwave heating versus conventional heating, especially in the thermochemical treatment of biomass, are discussed. Different methodologies for predicting and measuring the temperature gradient within a material subjected to electromagnetic waves are demonstrated. The chapter summarizes the key conclusions of various investigations regarding the effects of microwave heating on chemical reactions and presents how electromagnetic radiation can assist the biorefinery of biomass. Finally, the issues and limitations regarding scaling-up microwave heating are elucidated, along with possible solutions to these problems.