Hydrothermal pretreatment is a cutting-edge technology in biomass conversion that utilizes high-temperature water or steam to deconstruct lignocellulosic materials effectively.
A bibliometric analysis reveals an upward trajectory of research efforts invested in hydrothermal pretreatment globally.
China has become a beacon of research in this area, contributing 36.5% of the global hydrothermal pretreatment publications.
Optimization of pretreatment conditions and integration of biorefinery processes stand out as crucial focus areas for researchers.
Leading institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences are playing a pivotal role in steering innovation in hydrothermal technologies.
Hydrothermal processing offers environmental benefits as it relies solely on hot water or steam when compared to traditional chemical methods.
Hydrothermal pretreatment is a breakthrough in efficiency and innovation required for a transition towards a bio-based economy that could mitigate dependence on fossil fuels.
Collaboration between countries and institutions is crucial for the continued advancement of the hydrothermal pretreatment research.
Researchers must operate with urgency as global demands for clean energy sources escalate.
Hydrothermal pretreatment is a cornerstone of the transition towards a more sustainable, circular economy.