(2026) Fuel_Catalytic pyrolysis of three industrial fungal biomass to enhance syngas production

Kim J.Y.; Yoo Y.; Lee D.-J.; Park J.; Kwon D.Y.; Kim K.Y.; Cho M.; Kim J.-J.; Kwon E.E.

(Elsevier Ltd) Fuel ISSN: 162361 Vol.405 Issue. Article No.136748 DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2025.136748

 Industrial fungal biomass, generated as a byproduct during the production of various chemicals, was valorised via pyrolysis for energy recovery and the production of value-added materials. The resulting bio-oil composition distinctly varied among the fungal genera (Aspergillus, Trichoderma, and Penicillium). Aspergillus-derived bio-oil contained high amounts of sugar-alcohol-derived chemicals, whereas fatty acid–derived chemicals were more prevalent in Trichoderma- and Penicillium-derived bio-oils. The heterogeneity of fungal biomass–derived bio-oils limits their use in industrial applications owing to standardisations, processing, and product consistency issues. We thus performed catalytic pyrolysis using a nickel-based catalyst to promote syngas production over heterogeneous bio-oils. More than ten times as much syngas was generated from the catalytic pyrolysis than from noncatalytic pyrolysis. The H₂:CO ratio of the syngas was 2:1 regardless of the fungal species, facilitating application into industrial processes. The results of mass balance analysis showed that 31.2, 33.3, and 34.7 wt% of syngas was generated from the catalytic pyrolysis of Aspergillus, Trichoderma, and Penicillium, respectively. Catalytic pyrolysis is an effective strategy for recovering energy from industrial fungal biomass, regardless of the species, and can contribute to the sustainable management of fungal biomass waste. © 2025

This study was supported by the Basic Science Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education ( RS-2023-00272302 ) and by an NRF grant funded by the Korean Government ( MSIT ) (No. RS-2023-NR077231 ).