A strategy for the simultaneous catalytic conversion of hemicellulose and cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass to liquid transportation fuels

Abstract

We develop and evaluate an integrated catalytic conversion strategy, which utilizes both the hemicellulose and cellulose fractions of lignocellulosic biomass to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels (butene oligomers). In this strategy, the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions are simultaneously converted to levulinic acid (LA), using LA-derived γ-valerolactone (GVL) as a solvent. The LA is then converted to GVL, which is subsequently converted to butene, and then to butene oligomers. To generate the integrated strategy, we develop separation subsystems to achieve experimentally optimized feed concentrations for the catalytic conversion steps. Importantly, to minimize the utility requirements of the overall process, we perform heat integration, which allows us to satisfy all heating requirements from combustion of biomass residues, which are also used to produce steam for electricity generation. In addition, we develop an alternative design in which there is no electricity generation, study alternative feedstocks, and perform sensitivity analyses. Our technoeconomic analysis shows that the integrated strategy using hybrid poplar feedstock leads to a minimum selling price of $4.01 per gallon of gasoline equivalent for butene oligomers if biomass residues are sold as low quality fuel. † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See

Targeted chemical upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass to platform molecules

“…78,186 Studies have estimated that GVL can be produced for about $1000 per ton. 188 In comparison, enzyme costs have been estimated to be in the range of $25-75 per ton of biomass treated 29,184 (Table 6). Therefore, to limit catalyst costs to a similar value of $50 per ton of biomass, losses must be limited to 500-150 kg acid, 5 kg ionic liquid or 50 kg GVL per ton of biomass.…”

A lignocellulosic ethanol strategy via nonenzymatic sugar production: Process synthesis and analysis

“…In addition, the capital requirements of the enzymatic production of ethanol, reported by NREL , and the catalytic production of alkene oligomers, reported by Han et al (2014), are included for comparison. The total installed equipment cost is estimated to be $225.8 million for the nonenzymatic ethanol production, whereas the total project investment, which includes other direct (e.g., warehouse and site development) and indirect (e.g., engineering, supervision, construction expenses, and contingency) costs, is $517.2 million.…”

“…To accurately model a vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) unit operation for this task, the Peng-Robinson equation of state (EoS) was modified based on VLE experiments performed in the lab. For the separation of GVL (to be recycled to the biomass deconstruction system) from biomass residues (to be used for heat and power generation), an evaporation step was used following the suggestion of Han et al (2014).…”

The DOE Bioenergy Research Centers: History, Operations, and Scientific Output

“…Furthermore, LA can be catalytically converted to GVL, which can be recovered by phase separation using liquid CO 2 or salt. Both the GVL and the mineral acid can be recycled and used for further rounds of biomass deconstruction and catalysis, thus lowering the costs of materials and their environmental impact [94].…”