Acid Saccharification Biomass Furan Recovery Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acid saccharification processes of biomass produce furan compounds as impurities, which are difficult to utilize efficiently, and the polymerization of these compounds involves complex and costly multi-step processes.
Innovation Solution
A method of acid saccharification of biomass is developed, where furan compounds are recovered and polymerized in a one-pot reaction within a mixture of immiscible phases, using an acidic aqueous solution and an extraction solution containing hydrophobic ether compounds, allowing for the simultaneous dehydration of pentose and polymerization of furan compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional acid saccharification process is used, then biomass can be quickly saccharified, but furan by-products are produced and acid separation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts furan compounds from the aqueous phase into an organic solvent phase during the saccharification process. The organic solvent selectively dissolves furan by-products, separating them from the aqueous saccharification mixture, thereby removing harmful factors while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an organic solvent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the saccharification reaction and furan by-product removal. The solvent acts as a bridge, accepting furan compounds from the aqueous phase without interfering with the acid-catalyzed saccharification reaction, thus resolving the contradiction between fast reaction and by-product formation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-step process is used for furan polymerization, then furan compounds can be converted to polymers, but the process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple process steps into a single integrated operation. The acid saccharification, furan compound formation, furan extraction into organic solvent, and furan polymerization are all carried out simultaneously in one reactor system, eliminating the need for separate purification and polymerization steps, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional reaction system where the acidic aqueous solution serves multiple purposes: catalyzing saccharification, enabling furan formation through dehydration, and the organic solvent simultaneously extracts furan compounds and provides the medium for polymerization. This universal system reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Loss of substance
If furan compounds are produced as impurities, then they are difficult to utilize efficiently, but they can be converted to valuable polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful furan by-products into valuable polymer products directly within the reaction system. The furan compounds that would normally be considered waste or impurities are instead utilized as feedstock for in-situ polymerization, transforming a harmful factor into a beneficial product and eliminating substance loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method increases the yield and utilization of furan compounds, simplifies the process, and enhances the economic feasibility of biomass utilization by integrating acid saccharification, dehydration, and polymerization in a single reactor.
Implementation Method 1
carrying out acid saccharification of biomass in a mixture of two immiscible phases, wherein the mixture of two phases is an acidic aqueous solution that saccharifies biomass with acid and an extraction solution of furan compounds
Implementation Method 2
an acidic aqueous solution that saccharifies biomass with acid
Implementation Method 3
simultaneous dehydration of pentose and polymerization of furan compounds
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a method of acid saccharification of biomass and a method of polymerization of furan compounds. The method of acid saccharification of biomass comprises recovering pentose-derived furan compounds produced during the acid saccharification process of biomass. The method of acid saccharification of biomass comprises introducing furan compounds into the acid saccharification process of biomass, to produce and recover furan polymers.