Optimizing one-pot biomass conversion to Ethyl Levulinate

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Ethyl levulinate (EL) is a potentially valuable biofuel additive that can be readily obtained from**hydrolysis-esterification of non-food lignocellulosic biomass. Our industry partner, Les Entreprises HDJS**Gascon Ltée, is a family-owned business of heavy equipment transport with a recycling facility since 1985 in**Alfred, Ontario. From their recycling operations they generate massive quantities (more than 100,000**tons/year) of biomass and over 100,000 tons/year of biosolids. They also have biomass take-off contracts with**two local paper mill facilities (Papier Masson and Résolu Produits Forestiers in Gatineau). The company plans**to establish a biorefinery on 150 acres of currently owned industrial property in Alfred to produce EL from**their biomass. In our initial ENGAGE project we demonstrated a one-step process for production of EL from**wood waste-derived biomass. The biphasic (water + organic solvent + ethanol) acid-catalyzed process involves**conversion of the cellulose component of biomass into levulinic acid that is esterified in situ by ethanol,**extracting the EL product into the organic solvent layer. In this ENGAGE PLUS project we will optimize the**ratio of biomass:organic solvent:acid:ethanol and investigate a series of greener, affordable solvents. Finally,**kinetic data and preliminary separation protocols will be developed to assist an independent engineering**process design, allowing our industry partner to move to the full pilot plant stage. Successful execution of the**proposed work will advance the bio-based economy in Canada, currently projected to significantly reduce our**carbon footprint and create thousands of jobs over the next decade.