Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals

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Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum are used as feedstocks for chemicals, transportation****fuels, and energy. While economic growth is associated with energy consumption, the use of****coal and petroleum leads to carbon dioxide release and climate change. One approach to curbing****the effects of climate change is through the substitution of fossil fuel-based energy sources with****renewable energy resources. Through the proposed program, we aim to develop innovative and****energy efficient technologies for the efficient processing of renewable biomass and low-carbon****feedstocks to chemicals and clean fuels. These new technologies will contribute to sustainable****economic development, for the benefit of Canadians and, potentially, for societies globally.****The new technologies to be developed will enable the conversion of glycerol, a by-product of****biodiesel production , to higher-value chemicals such as 1,3-propanediol and 1-propanol. 1,3-****Propanediol , currently made from petroleum feedstock, is used in the production of highperformance****polymers. 1- Propanol is used as a solvent and could also be used as a fuel additive****and as feedstock for propylene to make green polypropylene polymer. Upgrading the value of****glycerol will translate into reduced costs for the production of biodiesel, and will increase the****viability of the biodiesel industry. This proposal will also use catalytic distillation, an energy****efficient reactor technology that combines reaction and separation in one distillation column, to****produce clean transportation fuels from light hydrocarbons derived from biomass or low-carbon****shale gas. Innovative research on the development of highly active and selective catalysts using****state-of-the-art characterization techniques and reactor technology will be carried out to produce****a high yield of the desired product with lower energy requirement. This research will provide****training of highly qualified personnel to lead Canada into a competitive global market for****sustainable chemicals and clean fuels. This research will benefit the Canadian economy by****creating new business and clean technology jobs, and also help to reduce carbon emissions.