Recent Progress in Separation Membranes and Their Fermentation Coupled Processes for Biobutanol Recovery

Abstract

In recent decades, pervaporation membrane separation coupled with fermentation is recognized as a promising process in biofuel production. This review presents the latest progress in membrane materials applied for the biobutanol separation from dilute aqueous solution or fermentation broth. It also summarizes various membrane-based separation processes for in situ recovering biobutanol during the fermentation. Opportunities and challenges in future development of pervaporation organophilic membrane materials and fermentation coupled processes for biobutanol production are outlook.

One-Step and Low-Cost Designing of Two-Layered Active-Layer Superhydrophobic Silicalite-1/PDMS Membrane for Simultaneously Achieving Superior Bioethanol Pervaporation and Fouling/Biofouling Resistance

“…Furthermore, the high cost of coupled fermentation and pervaporation processes can be introduced as the third challenge. 5,25 To better identify and optimize the relationship between the compounds and the membrane, some main ingredients in the fermentation broth should be chosen. Their effects must be accurately evaluated before surveying more complex media of the real fermentation broth.…”

“…In the struggle for the commercialization of coupling of these processes, there are some challenges. The destructive effects of constituents of the real fermentation broth on the membrane performances and properties are the first ones . The real fermentation broth contains sugars, organic acids, proteins, and salts, as well as microorganisms, in addition to bioethanol. , These compounds can influence the membrane performances because of their effects on the vapor pressures of water and ethanol .…”

“…Consequently, the spraying method was adopted to design a novel active layer by two layers with different hydrophobic and density properties in this study. Furthermore, the high cost of coupled fermentation and pervaporation processes can be introduced as the third challenge. , …”

A Review on Mixed Matrix Membranes for Solvent Dehydration and Recovery Process

“…The polymer structure within the membrane allows for greater internal surfaces and free volumes, thereby, allowing for better separation. Another way to improve the separation of solvents from ABE broth is by the method of combining the pervaporation with in situ fermentation [50].…”

Virtual Special Issue of Research Highlights on Sustainable Energy and Clean Fuels at State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering (SKL-MCE), China

“…Three main strategies to obtain a high-performance lithium metal anode from the perspective of regulating the electrolyte/electrode interface are presented, including liquid electrolyte regulation, solid electrolyte application, separator modification, electrode interface coating, and composite anode. Zhu et al 8 present the latest progress in membrane materials applied for the biobutanol separation from dilute aqueous solution or fermentation broth as well as various membrane-based separation processes for in situ recovering biobutanol during fermentation. Opportunities and challenges in future development of pervaporation organophilic membrane materials and fermentation coupled processes for biobutanol production are also presented and discussed.…”