Clean Technology
One-Step Process Turns Biomass into Hydrocarbon Building Blocks
WARF: P110018US02
Inventors: Xuejun Pan, Li Shuai
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a mild process for converting lignocellulose biomass into furfural-/HMF-acetone adducts that can be made into liquid hydrocarbon fuels.
Overview
Much research has focused on transforming biomass sugars into building block molecules like hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural. HMF and furfural are versatile substitutes for a range of chemicals traditionally derived from petroleum.
HMF and furfural also can be turned into longer-chain hydrocarbons. For example, condensation of HMF/furfural and acetone is able to extend the carbon number of the resulting hydrocarbon up to 20, which is similar to the makeup of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel.
Problematically, methods for forming and using HMF have relied on expensive chemicals, solvents and multiple steps.
HMF and furfural also can be turned into longer-chain hydrocarbons. For example, condensation of HMF/furfural and acetone is able to extend the carbon number of the resulting hydrocarbon up to 20, which is similar to the makeup of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel.
Problematically, methods for forming and using HMF have relied on expensive chemicals, solvents and multiple steps.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a process for converting biomass to furfural-/HMF-ketone precursors that then may be turned into long-chain hydrocarbons.
The method, called HDA (Hydrolysis-Dehydration-Aldol condensation), streamlines several conversion processes into a single step. First, a ketone (like acetone) is used as a solvent with lithium bromide or other halide salt, water and acid. The mixture is reacted with biomass under mild conditions to yield furfural-/HMF-ketone adducts.
The adducts then may be converted into hydrocarbons by standard hydrodeoxygenation methods.
The method, called HDA (Hydrolysis-Dehydration-Aldol condensation), streamlines several conversion processes into a single step. First, a ketone (like acetone) is used as a solvent with lithium bromide or other halide salt, water and acid. The mixture is reacted with biomass under mild conditions to yield furfural-/HMF-ketone adducts.
The adducts then may be converted into hydrocarbons by standard hydrodeoxygenation methods.
Applications
- Biofuel production
Key Benefits
- Direct, cheap and streamlined conversion
- No pretreatment nor prior saccharification of biomass
- Low heat and pressure
- Initial conversion step can achieve yields of 95 percent or higher.
- The ketone and salt can be recycled and reused.
- Dissolved lignin is easily separated and turned into co-products.
Stage of Development
The HDA process has been shown to be effective with softwood, spruce, hardwood poplar, corn stover, switchgrass and waste paper.
Additional Information
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For current licensing status, please contact Mark Staudt at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9845