Biomass Group, Nanjing Agricultural University, PO Box 68, 40 Dianjiangtai Road, Nanjing 210031

Non-unified effects of cellulose allomorphs on fast pyrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis

Recently, master student Miss Hong-Li Ma supervised by Dr. Li-Qun Jiang at Guangdong Academy of Sciences and Prof. Zhen Fang published a research article in Industrial Crops & Products (IF 5.6) about the allomorphs of Cellulose (I–IV) affected the process of cellulose pyrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis.

Three cellulose allomorphs (celluloses II-IV) were prepared from cellulose I to examine the impact of crystalline structure and degree of crystallinity on cellulose depolymerization in pyrolysis and hydrolysis. It is found that cellulose with higher crystallinity produces higher yield of levoglucosan. Specifically, Celluloses II and III exhibit lower crystallinity index and levoglucosan (LG) yield as compared to Cellulose I and IV. Notably, despite Cellulose IV having a higher crystallinity index than Cellulose I, the differences in crystalline structure and hydroxyl group level lead to a lower levoglucosan yield in pyrolysis. Thermogravimetric kinetics analysis suggests that cellulose with high crystallinity yields more anhydro-sugars through dehydration reactions. Whereas amorphous cellulose predominantly produces lower molecular weight molecules through ring scission reactions. It is found that Cellulose II yields the maximum amount of glucose, while higher crystallinity levels have a negative impact on the sugar yield in general.

Related results were published in Industrial Crops & Products:

HL Ma, FX Xu, YC Zhang, MJ Huang, MF Li, GH Wang, MX Huang, Zhen Fang*, LQ Jiang*, Non-unified effects of cellulose allomorphs on fast pyrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis, Industrial Crops and Products. (IF 5.6), 230 (2025), 121153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121153

Celluloses I produced 50.0 wt% LG because of the highest crystallinity, cellulose II achieved the highest glucose yield of 67% in 72 h due to low crystallinity cellulose and loose expanded surface structure. （纤维素I结晶度最高高，产生了50.0 wt%的LG。然而具有低结晶度及疏松表面结构的纤维素II经过72小时酶水解产生了67%的葡萄糖产率）

纤维素异形体对快速热解和酶水解的非统一效应

近期，硕士生马宏莉同学在广东科学院蒋丽群博士和方真教授的指导下，在国际学术期刊Industrial Crops & Products （IF 5.6）发表了一篇关于纤维素异构体（I-IV）影响纤维素热解和酶水解过程的研究性论文。

从纤维素I制备了三种纤维素异构体（纤维素II-IV），以研究结晶结构和结晶度对纤维素在热解和水解过程中解聚的影响。结果发现，具有较高结晶度的纤维素产生较高产量的左旋葡聚糖。具体而言，与纤维素I和IV相比，纤维素II和III显示出较低的结晶指数和左旋葡聚糖产率。值得注意的是，尽管纤维素IV具有比纤维素I更高的结晶度指数，但晶体结构和羟基水平的差异导致热解中更低的左旋葡聚糖产率。热重动力学分析表明，高结晶度的纤维素通过脱水反应产生更多的脱水糖，而无定形纤维素主要通过开环反应产生较低分子量的分子。纤维素II产生最大量的葡萄糖，而较高的结晶度水平通常对葡萄糖产量有负面影响。

结果发表在Industrial Crops & Products：

Related results were published in Industrial Crops & Products:

HL Ma, FX Xu, YC Zhang, MJ Huang, MF Li, GH Wang, MX Huang, Zhen Fang*, LQ Jiang*, Non-unified effects of cellulose allomorphs on fast pyrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis, Industrial Crops and Products. (IF 5.6), 230 (2025), 121153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121153

Springer book “Production of Organic Acids and Alcohols from Agricultural Residues and Food Wastes”

Recently, Springer has published a book entitled“Production of Organic Acids and Alcohols from Agricultural Residues and Food Wastes” edited by Profs. Zhen Fang, RL Smith Jr. and Dr. HX Guo, Springer, Hardcover ISBN 978-981-96-1221-5, 455 pages, 2025 (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-1222-2) .

Biomass-derived organic acids and alcohols focuses on recent technological developments and related challenges surrounding process for industrial applications.  This book covers the recent development processes (e.g. catalytic conversion, hydrothermal conversion, fermentation and anaerobic digestion) available for agricultural residues or food wastes conversion into organic acid and alcohols. Highlighting the advantages and limitations of different technologies, presenting the challenges, innovative state-of-the-art technologies and assessing future perspectives on the process of biomass-derived organic acid or alcohol production. This book also provides diverse examples of application of biomass-derived organic acid and alcohol, such as production polymer and amino acid.  Overall, the objective of this book is to provides the reader to understanding of the importance of biomass-derived organic acid and alcohols.  The scope of text encompasses lignocellulosic biomass, agricultural residues, food wastes, biomass-derived compounds and fundamental carbohydrates with the aim to develop overall production strategies for organic acids and alcohols.

This book is the 13^th book of the series entitled, “Biofuels and Biorefineries” (Prof. Zhen Fang is serving as Editor-in-Chief), and the 22^nd  English book edited/authored by Prof. Zhen Fang since 2009), and contains 12 chapters contributed by leading experts in the field. The text is arranged into two key parts:

Part I. Production of Organic Acids via Catalytic Processes of Agricultural Residues (Chapters 1-9)

Part II. Production of Biofuels from Agricultural Residues and Food Wastes (Chapters 10-12)

The text should be of interest to professionals in academia and industry who are working in the fields of natural renewable materials, platform chemicals, polymer, and materials. It can also be used as comprehensive references for university students with backgrounds in chemical engineering, material science, microbial chemistry and environmental engineering.

Biofuels and Biorefineries：

https://link.springer.com/bookseries/11687

斯普林格新书《农业废弃物和食物垃圾生产有机酸和醇》出版

由方真教授、日本东北大学RL Smith Jr.教授和中国农科院郭海心研究员主编的新书《农业废弃物和食物垃圾生产有机酸和醇》，最近由斯普林格公司出版发行。（精装，455页， ISBN 978-981-96-1221-5, 2025 (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-1222-2) .

本书生物质衍生的有机酸和醇生产侧重于最近的技术发展和围绕工业应用过程的相关挑战。它涵盖了农业废弃物和食品废物转化为有机酸和醇类的最新发展过程（如催化转化、水热转化、发酵和厌氧消化）。强调不同技术的优势和局限性，介绍挑战、创新的最新技术，并评估生物质衍生有机酸或酒精生产过程的未来前景。  本书还提供了生物质衍生有机酸和醇的各种应用实例，如生产聚合物和氨基酸。总的来说，本书的目的是让读者了解生物质衍生有机酸和醇类的重要性。文本范围包括木质纤维素生物质、农业残留物、食物垃圾、生物质衍生化合物和基本碳水化合物，旨在制定有机酸和醇类的整体生产策略。

这本书是题为“生物燃料和生物精炼厂”的系列中的第十三本书，包含该领域顶尖专家撰写的12章。本文分为两个关键部分：

第一部分：农业废弃物催化法生产有机酸（第1-9章）

第二部分：利用农业废弃物和食物残渣生产生物燃料（第10-12章）

该文本应该引起学术界和工业界在天然可再生材料、平台化学品、聚合物和材料领域工作的专业人士的兴趣。它也可以作为具有化学工程、材料科学、微生物化学和环境工程背景的大学生的综合参考。

生物燃料和生物炼制丛书：

https://link.springer.com/bookseries/11687

该书是斯普林格系列丛书“生物燃料和生物炼制- Biofuels and Biorefineries”（方真老师担任该丛书总编辑）出版的第十三本专著，也是方真老师自2009年以来，编著出版的第二十二部英语专著。

Enhancing xylose fermentation to maximize net energy gain of lime-pretreated wheat straw by delayed fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

Recently, master student Miss Wan-ying Qiu supervised by Dr. DC Dong and Prof. Zhen Fang published a research article in Biomass and Bioenergy (Q2, IF 5.8) about increasing net energy gain through delayed fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of wheat straw.

Delayed fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of lime-pretreated wheat straw was carried out with a wild type yeast (i.e., Candida shehatae) to produce high titer ethanol. Calcium ions in lime-pretreated wheat straw were precipitated by pH controlling agent (i.e., sulfuric acid) to reduce inhibition of inorganic ions on yeast fermentation. It was found that ethanol concentration (∼35 g/L) did not increase as solid loading of substrate increased from 15 % to 20 % in batch SSF. However, in delayed fed-batch SSF, the feeding time of substrate (96 h) was postponed until after the inoculation time (18 h) resulting in a 74% reduction in residual xylose concentration and a 54.3% increase in ethanol concentration (54 g/L). Compared to batch SSF, separation energy of ethanol was decreased by 32.3% to 977.3 MJ/ton wheat straw in delayed fed-batch SSF, and net energy gain was increased by 20.1% to 3525.7 MJ/ton wheat straw.

Related results were published in Biomass and Bioenergy:

WY Qiu, CY Dong*, JJ Guo, B Xia, LJ Xu, Zhen Fang*. Enhancing xylose fermentation to maximize net energy gain of lime-pretreated wheat straw by delayed fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, Biomass and Bioenergy (IF 5.8), 198 (2025), 107865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.107865

Ethanol concentration was increased by 54.3% by xylose fermentation in delayed fed-batch SSF. （采用延迟补料式同步糖化发酵，发酵木糖使乙醇浓度提高了54.3%）

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延迟补料式同步糖化发酵氢氧化钙预处理小麦秸秆提高乙醇产量

近期，硕士生邱婉莹同学在董澄宇博士和方真教授的指导下，在国际学术期刊Biomass and Bioenergy（Q2, IF 5.8）发表了一篇关于通过延迟补料式同步糖化发酵小麦秸秆提高乙醇产量的研究性论文。

利用休哈塔假丝酵母（Candida shehatae）对氢氧化钙预处理小麦秸秆进行延迟补料式同步糖化发酵，以生产高浓度乙醇。使用硫酸作为pH调节剂沉淀氢氧化钙预处理小麦秸秆中的钙离子，减少无机离子对酵母发酵的抑制作用。在分批补料式同步糖化发酵中，底物固载量从15%提高至20%时，乙醇浓度均约为35 g/L，并未显著增加。然而，在延迟补料式同步糖化发酵中，补料时间（96 h）推迟至接种时间（18 h）之后，使木糖残留浓度降低74%，乙醇浓度增加54.3%（达到54 g/L）。与分批补料式同步糖化发酵相比，延迟补料式同步糖化发酵中乙醇的蒸馏耗能为977.3 MJ，降低32.3%，且每吨小麦秸秆的净能量收益达到3525.7 MJ，增加20.1%。

结果发表在Biomass and Bioenergy：

WY Qiu, CY Dong*, JJ Guo, B Xia, LJ Xu, Zhen Fang*. Enhancing xylose fermentation to maximize net energy gain of lime-pretreated wheat straw by delayed fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, Biomass and Bioenergy (IF 5.8), 198 (2025), 107865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.107865

方真教授主旨/特邀报告Selected Keynote/Invited Lectures

1.Zhen Fang, “Techniques and Applications of Converting Agricultural and Forestry Biomass to Biofuels and High Value-Added Products”, Energy and Environment Branch,  2024 Academic Annual Meeting, China Agricultural Mechanization Society, Aiming to Build a Low-Carbon Circular Agriculture System and Promote Green Development in Agriculture and Rural Areas, Shandong University of Technology, November 22-25, 2024, Zibo, Shandong.

方真，“农林生物质转化为燃料和高附加值产品技术和应用”，2024年中国农业机械学会学术年会能源环境分会, 构建低碳循环农业体系促进农业农村绿色发展，山东理工大学，2024年11月22-25日，山东∙淄博。

2.Zhen Fang, “Biochar Supported Bifunctional Catalysts for One-Pot Production of Biodiesel from Waste Oils”, UK-China-ASEAN Net-Zero Workshop On-line, November 12, 2024, Liverpool, UK

方真，“用于废油一锅法生产生物柴油的生物炭负载双功能催化剂”，2024江苏-英国-东南亚零碳线上研讨会（线上），2024年11月12日，利物浦∙英国。

3.Zhen Fang, “My Experience in Learning and Research”, Shangshan Lecture, Cixi Shanglin Middle School, November 11, 2024, Ningbo, Zhejiang.

方真，“院士成长心路历程”，上善大讲堂，慈溪上林中学，2024年11月11日，浙江∙宁波慈溪。

4.Zhen Fang “Technology and Application of Agricultural Waste Conversion into Fuel and High Value-Added Products”, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, May 14, 2024, Hangzhou, Zhejiang.

方真，“农业废弃物转化为燃料和高附加值产品技术和应用“，浙江大学生物系统工程和食品科学学院, 2024年05月14日，浙江∙杭州。

 Green Energy and Resource Transformation: from Nanomaterials to Bio-based Chemicals”：Int’l Sym. of High-level Talents was Successfully Held

On the morning of December 25, 2024, the “Green Energy and Resource Transformation: from Nanomaterials to Bio-based Chemicals”: International Symposium of High-level Talents was successfully held by the College of Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University. At the invitation of Dr. Shuai Gao and Prof. Zhen Fang of the Biomass Group, Prof. Li Shuai from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Senior Researcher Bing Song from the New Zealand Forest Research Institute (SCION), Prof. Richen Lin from the School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, and Prof. Wenlei Zhu from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, attended the meeting and delivered presentations.

Prof. Shuai introduced his research on the reorganization of lignocellulosic biomass for the preparation of plastic-like materials. He elaborated on the chemical composition of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, as well as their roles in biomass transformation processes. He shared his team’s research findings on the direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into plastic-like materials, including the preparation process and performance optimization of cellulose-reinforced lignin composites (CRL).

Dr. Song provided a detailed introduction to the application of γ-valerolactone (GVL) as a solvent, especially its various roles in biomass decomposition. Additionally, Dr. Song discussed the impact of GVL on the primary reactions of glucose. Through a series of experiments, he demonstrated how GVL can improve the efficiency of biomass decomposition and discussed the selectivity of GVL in the biomass conversion process.

Prof. Zhu shared his research achievements in the field of precise control of nanomaterials for electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂. He detailed how the morphology and structure of nanomaterials can be regulated to enhance the selectivity and efficiency of the CO₂ reduction reaction and explored the nanoconfinement coupling mechanism. Among his introductions, Prof. Zhu presented a self-developed self-pressurized nano-catalyst capsule that efficiently achieved CO₂ reduction, which broadened the students’ horizons.

Prof Lin introduced the technology of bioenergy conversion driven by green electricity, including hydrogen production through electrolysis, CO₂ conversion and utilization, and the high-value conversion of biomass. He emphasized the key role of biomass energy conversion in achieving carbon neutrality goals and shared the latest research progress in the design and optimization of bioenergy systems.

This event primarily focused on academic discussions and sharing around “Green Energy and Resource Transformation.” The activity enhanced academic exchanges and cooperation between Nanjing Agricultural University and domestic and international universities and research institutions. It also contributed the students’ understanding and knowledge of the forefront of biomass energy conversion, well inherited the spirit of scientific research, and promoted innovative thinking in biomass energy conversion technology and materials. Prof Fang of the Biomass Group host the meeting, all the young researchers of the research group attended the meeting.

“绿色能源与资源转化：从纳米材料到生物基化学品”暨海内外高层次人才学术研讨会成功举办

2024年12月25日上午，“绿色能源与资源转化：从纳米材料到生物基化学品”暨海内外高层次人才学术研讨会在南京农业大学工学院A106-108学术报告厅成功举办。应生物能源研究组高帅副教授和方真教授邀请，福建农林大学帅李教授、新西兰林业研究所（SCION）宋兵高级研究员、东南大学能源与环境学院林日琛教授、南京大学环境学院朱文磊教授出席会议并作报告。

福建农林大学的帅李教授向大家介绍了木质生物质重组制备仿塑材料的相关研究，阐述了木质素、纤维素和半纤维素的化学组成及其在生物质转化过程中的作用，分享了自己团队将木质生物质直接转换为可塑性材料的研究成果，包括纤维素增强木质素复合材料（CRL）的制备工艺和性能优化。

新西兰Scion研究所的宋兵高级研究员针对γ-戊内酯（GVL）作为溶剂进行了详细的应用介绍，特别是在生物质分解中的诸多作用，另外宋兵提到了GVL对葡萄糖初级反应的影响。通过一系列实验，宋兵展示了GVL如何提高生物质分解效率，并讨论了GVL在生物质转化过程中的选择性。

南京大学环境学院的朱文磊教授分享了他在纳米材料精确调控用于CO2电催化还原领域的研究成果。他详细介绍了如何通过纳米材料的形貌和结构调控来提高CO2还原反应的选择性和效率，并探讨了纳米限域偶联机制。其中朱文磊教授介绍了一种自研的自增压纳米催化剂胶囊，高效地实现了CO2的还原，让同学们大开眼界。

东南大学能源与环境学院的林日琛教授介绍了绿电驱动的生物能源转化技术，包括电解制氢、CO2转化与利用、以及生物质的高值化转化。他强调了生物质能源转化在实现碳中和目标中的关键作用，并分享了他在生物能源系统设计和优化方面的最新研究进展。

活动围绕“绿色能源与资源转化”进行学术研讨与分享。增进了南京农业大学与国内外高校和科研机构的学术交流与合作，同时增强了同学们对生物质能源转化前沿知识的理解与认识，很好地传承了科研精神，推动了生物质能源转化技术与材料等方面的创新思考。生物能源研究组方真院士主持会议，课题组全体青年教师出席会议。