Corn Stover: Revisiting of the Opportunities and Barriers of Its Composition, Bioenergy Applications, and Sustainability

Corn Stover (CS), rich in lignocellulosic materials, poses challenges in biodegradability, necessitating pretreatment methods to enhance biofuel yields. Biogasification through anaerobic digestion and bioethanol production via fermentation are promising pathways, though both face technical barriers, particularly in pretreatment efficiency and enzyme limitations. Economic factors, including high feedstock collection and transportation costs, hinder large-scale adoption. The environmental implications of CS removal, such as soil nutrient depletion and erosion risks, highlight the need for balanced residue management practices. Technological advancements, such as improved pretreatment techniques, biomass densification, and co-digestion strategies, have shown potential to enhance process efficiency and reduce costs. However, integrating circular economy principles by valorizing co-products like lignin and digestate further strengthens the sustainability of CS utilization. This review examines the composition of CS, its applications in bioenergy, and the environmental and economic considerations associated with its use. Future research directions emphasize genetic and process innovations to boost biogas and bioethanol yields, scalable industrial applications, and policy frameworks that support large-scale deployment. Ultimately, CS holds significant promise in contributing to global renewable energy goals, provided that technological, economic, and environmental challenges are effectively addressed.