Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and Prospects

Lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into high-value-added bio-based materials through pyrolysis; however, an unclear pyrolysis mechanism hinders its further application. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is the most common technology for detecting radicals, which are important...

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Main Authors: Zhongyang Luo, Longyi Liu, Feiting Miao, Wanchen Zhu, Longfei Li, Yuanlin Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1598
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author Zhongyang Luo
Longyi Liu
Feiting Miao
Wanchen Zhu
Longfei Li
Yuanlin Wang
author_facet Zhongyang Luo
Longyi Liu
Feiting Miao
Wanchen Zhu
Longfei Li
Yuanlin Wang
author_sort Zhongyang Luo
collection DOAJ
description Lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into high-value-added bio-based materials through pyrolysis; however, an unclear pyrolysis mechanism hinders its further application. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is the most common technology for detecting radicals, which are important intermediates of bond-breaking reactions and coupling reactions during pyrolysis. Hence, this article provides a dedicated review of recent applications, limitations, and prospects of EPR for lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis. It starts with the advancements of EPR, including EPR spectroscopy principles, radical trapping methods, and spectrum analysis. This review establishes the radical-mediated reaction pathway spanning model compounds to native lignocellulosic biomass, via detecting and identifying the key radicals in the pyrolysis process and pyrolysis products. Furthermore, the effect of biomass pretreatment on the radical behavior during pyrolysis has been emphasized. By providing a comprehensive review of radical evolutionary patterns during biomass pyrolysis using EPR, we conclude with limitations and prospects, which may offer a new perspective on the mechanism of biomass pyrolysis and the optimization of pyrolysis conditions.
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spelling doaj-art-684bcef63ec549f7be101f343298fa6d2025-08-20T02:09:13ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-03-01187159810.3390/en18071598Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and ProspectsZhongyang Luo0Longyi Liu1Feiting Miao2Wanchen Zhu3Longfei Li4Yuanlin Wang5State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, ChinaLignocellulosic biomass can be converted into high-value-added bio-based materials through pyrolysis; however, an unclear pyrolysis mechanism hinders its further application. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is the most common technology for detecting radicals, which are important intermediates of bond-breaking reactions and coupling reactions during pyrolysis. Hence, this article provides a dedicated review of recent applications, limitations, and prospects of EPR for lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis. It starts with the advancements of EPR, including EPR spectroscopy principles, radical trapping methods, and spectrum analysis. This review establishes the radical-mediated reaction pathway spanning model compounds to native lignocellulosic biomass, via detecting and identifying the key radicals in the pyrolysis process and pyrolysis products. Furthermore, the effect of biomass pretreatment on the radical behavior during pyrolysis has been emphasized. By providing a comprehensive review of radical evolutionary patterns during biomass pyrolysis using EPR, we conclude with limitations and prospects, which may offer a new perspective on the mechanism of biomass pyrolysis and the optimization of pyrolysis conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1598electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopyradicalslignocellulosic biomassradical-mediated reaction
spellingShingle Zhongyang Luo
Longyi Liu
Feiting Miao
Wanchen Zhu
Longfei Li
Yuanlin Wang
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and Prospects
Energies
electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
radicals
lignocellulosic biomass
radical-mediated reaction
title Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and Prospects
title_full Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and Prospects
title_fullStr Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and Prospects
title_full_unstemmed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and Prospects
title_short Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Lignocellulosic Biomass Pyrolysis Mechanism: Advancements, Applications, and Prospects
title_sort electron paramagnetic resonance in lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis mechanism advancements applications and prospects
topic electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
radicals
lignocellulosic biomass
radical-mediated reaction
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1598
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