Catalytic upgrading of acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE): A step ahead for the production of added value chemicals in bio-refineries. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ketabchi, Elham; Pastor-Pérez, Laura; Reina, Tomas Ramirez; Arellano-García, Harvey
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 156(2020)
• Page Start: 1065
• Page End: 1075
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: ABE Upgrading -- Renewable energy -- Biomass -- Bio-refinery -- Heterogeneous catalysis -- Sustainable chemistry; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.04.152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: With the aim of moving towards sustainability and renewable energy sources, we have studied the production of long chain hydrocarbons from a renewable source of biomass to reduce negative impacts of greenhouse gas emissions while providing a suitable alternative for fossil fuel-based processes. Herein we report a catalytic strategy for Acetone, Butanol and Ethanol (ABE) upgrading using economically viable catalysts with potential impact in modern bio-refineries. Our catalysts based on transition metals such as Ni, Fe and Cu supported on MgO–Al2 O3 have been proven to perform exceptionally with outstanding conversions towards the production of a broad range of added value chemicals from C2 to C15 . Although all catalysts displayed meritorious performance, the Fe catalyst has shown the best results in terms conversion (89%). Interestingly, the Cu catalyst displays the highest selectivity towards long chain hydrocarbons (14%). Very importantly, our approach suppresses the utilization of solvents and additives resulting directly in upgraded hydrocarbons that are of use in the chemical and/or the transportation industry. Overall, this seminal work opens the possibility to consider ABE upgrading as a viable route in bio-refineries to produce renewably sourced added value products in an economically favorable way. In addition, the described process can be envisaged as a cross-link stream among bio and traditional refineries aiming to reduce fossil fuel sources involved and incorporate "greener" solutions. Highlights: Biomass-based Acetone, butanol and ethanol are upgraded to added value products. This upgrade uses cheaper catalysts-Fe/Mgo-Al2 O3, Cu/Mgo-Al2 O3, Ni/Mgo-Al2 O3 . High selectivity and conversions to produce renewably sourced hydrocarbons (C3 –C15 ). The potential of integrating the products into an oil refinery has been introduced.