ABSTRACT
The accurate compositional analysis of biomass is crucial to advancing and commercializing the technology for biomass-to-fuels conversion. This chapter reviews standard methods for lignocellulosic compositional analysis, including methods for extracting samples and for characterizing and quantifying moisture, lignin, carbohydrates, extractives, ash, and metals. It highlights the methods used extensively to chemically analyze bio-mass, or having the greatest potential for future use. The chapter discusses the chemical characterization and quantification of the extractives. Depending on the biomass sample type, chemical analyses may be performed on air-dried or oven-dried samples. The results are conventionally reported on a moisture-free basis. Compositional analysis of feedstocks, process intermediates, and end products from biomass conversion is a critical component of efforts to advance the technology for converting biomass to fuels. Wet-chemical and an increasing number of instrumental methods are available for the chemical compositional analysis of biomass.
