Experimental, equilibrium modelling, and column design for the reactive separation of biomass‐derived 2‐furoic acid

Abstract

Electrochemical conversion of biomass to value‐added chemicals has gained impetus in recent years. Herein, we present a methodology for recovering biomass‐derived 2‐furoic acid from the dilute aqueous stream by reactive extraction. The reactive extraction was performed using a chemical extractant, trioctylamine (TOA), with diluents (octanol, chloroform, and diethyl ether). Equilibrium parameters influencing the recovery of 2‐furoic acid were evaluated. Using TOA in various diluents, the 2‐furoic acid was recovered with 85%–99% efficiency. A 1:1 complex of the 2‐furoic acid—TOA was formed in the organic phase, and the experimental equilibrium complexation constant was compared with that obtained from the relative basicity and Langmuir models. The equilibrium parameters were used for column design to estimate the solvent to feed ratio (S/F) and the number of theoretical stages (NTS). The NTS required is 12 to attain 99% recovery of 2‐furoic acid in counter‐current extraction. The present study sheds light on the reactive extraction process adopted for process intensification with electrochemical conversion, paving the way for the commercialization of valuable products obtained from biomass.

Combining Renewable Electricity and Renewable Carbon: Understanding Reaction Mechanisms of Biomass-Derived Furanic Compounds for Design of Catalytic Nanomaterials

“…This is not an ideal strategy, as recovery of carboxylic acid products requires neutralizing large quantities of electrolyte and treating the salt waste 20 or conducting reactive extraction. 21 It should also be noted that Cannizzaro reactions (disproportionation of aldehyde to alcohol and acid) can play a role at high pH, with some fraction of carboxylates forming homogeneously, alongside harder-to-activate alcohol coproducts (c.f. Scheme 2); homogeneous polymerization to humins can also pose problems.…”

“…For both compounds, most work has focused on alkaline conditions, because strong bases promote oxidation by deprotonating alcohols and driving aldehydes toward the activated geminal diol­(ate) form. This is not an ideal strategy, as recovery of carboxylic acid products requires neutralizing large quantities of electrolyte and treating the salt waste or conducting reactive extraction . It should also be noted that Cannizzaro reactions (disproportionation of aldehyde to alcohol and acid) can play a role at high pH, with some fraction of carboxylates forming homogeneously, alongside harder-to-activate alcohol coproducts (c.f.…”

Recent Advances in Muconic Acid Extraction Process

“…The efficiency of reactive extraction depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of the solute: hydrophobicity and acid-base properties; on the properties of the extractant: reactivity, the ability to form hydrophobic compounds with the solute, and on separation conditions: pH, mixing intensity, concentration level, etc. Due to these conditions, the interaction mechanism between solute and extractant, the optimal extraction conditions in correlation with the separation factors, and the extraction mechanism are the main directions of study in reactive extraction [37][38][39]. The mechanism of reactive extraction presents particularities specific to each extraction system, the general case being presented in Figure 3 [12].…”

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67-Derived Co3O4/α-MnO2 Composite as an Efficient Cathode for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…Unlike traditional nonrenewable sources, especially fossil fuels that provide continuous power supply over long periods of time, renewable energy resources exhibit severe fluctuations due to their intermittent nature. Hence, it is imperative to integrate the renewable energy generation, energy storage systems, smart grid technologies, and backup power systems to ensure a sustainable source of power supply. , Electrochemical energy storage (EES) technologies, such as batteries and supercapacitors, offer many advantages, including high energy density, fast charging and discharging capabilities, environmental friendliness, and grid stabilization . These characteristics make them essential for addressing modern energy challenges and creating a sustainable energy landscape.…”