Towards aromatics from biomass: Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of bio-based aniline. (25th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winter, Benedikt; Meys, Raoul; Bardow, André
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 290(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-25
• Subjects: Aniline -- Bio-based -- Climate change -- Environmental assessment -- Global warming -- Life cycle assessment; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.125818
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Bio-based chemicals are seen as a potential stepping-stone towards a more sustainable chemical industry. However, while bio-based routes are already available for various organic alcohols and acids, the direct bio-based production of aromatic compounds has been difficult so far. Recently, the first bio-based process for the production of the important aromatic aniline has been realized. The process produces bio-based aniline via two-stages: first, sugar is fermented by Corynebacterium Glutamicum to aminobenzoic acid, which is then catalytically decarboxylated to aniline. In this study, we present a prospective Life Cycle Assessment for bio-based aniline production to evaluate the environmental potential compared to fossil-based aniline production. Our results suggest that the bio-based production could reduce the global warming impacts of aniline from cradle-to-grave by 35–69% relative to fossil-based production, depending on the type of biomass feedstock. However, bio-based aniline could also substantially increase eutrophication and acidification, a trade-off commonly observed for bio-based processes. Thus, the novel production route is promising and expands the scope of bio-based chemicals towards aromatics. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: First Life Cycle Assessment of bio-based aniline production. Bio-based production chain in three world regions considering four feedstocks. Significantly lower global warming impacts possible by bio-based aniline. Reduced global warming impacts robust regarding indirect land-use change. Feedstock demand for global aniline demand could be satisfied.