Biomass Decarboxylation to C1-5 Hydrocarbons
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient and inexpensive method to convert biomass into fuels, particularly short-chain hydrocarbon fuels, as existing methods like gasification and pyrolysis have limitations in cost-effectiveness and selectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the decarboxylation of C2-6 carboxylic acids or carboxylates derived from biomass using a solid catalyst, where the solution is contacted with a metal-based catalyst at moderate temperatures and pressures to produce C1-5 hydrocarbons, such as propane and butane, which can be integrated into existing pipeline infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gasification or pyrolysis is used to convert biomass to fuels, then fuel production is achieved, but cost-effectiveness and selectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction parameters by using decarboxylation conditions (temperature range 200-400°C, pressure 1-30 atm) with solid catalysts to convert carboxylic acids or carboxylates directly to hydrocarbons. This parameter change achieves both cost-effectiveness and high selectivity for C1-5 hydrocarbons, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces solid catalysts as intermediaries to facilitate the decarboxylation reaction. These catalysts (metal-based or metal-containing) enable selective conversion of biomass-derived carboxylic acids to hydrocarbon fuels, improving both cost-effectiveness and selectivity by mediating the reaction pathway
2Productivity
If existing biomass conversion methods are used, then fuel production is achieved, but selectivity for short-chain hydrocarbons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (200-400°C), pressure (1-30 atm), and catalyst selection to achieve high productivity of short-chain hydrocarbon fuels (C1-5) with excellent selectivity. The decarboxylation process specifically targets production of methane, ethane, propane, and butane from C2-6 carboxylic acids or carboxylates
Solution Approach 2:
Solid catalysts serve as intermediaries that enable selective production of short-chain hydrocarbons. The catalysts facilitate decarboxylation reactions while suppressing side reactions, achieving both high fuel production and high selectivity for desired C1-5 hydrocarbon products
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 achieves high selectivity for decarboxylation, producing fuels rich in gaseous hydrocarbons like propane and butane, which are easily integrated into current fuel infrastructure, with minimal side reactions, and maintains catalyst stability and activity over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the solution with a solid catalyst to form a C1-5 hydrocarbon
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a C1-5 hydrocarbon from a solution containing a C2-6 carboxylic acid or a C2-6 carboxylate which is derived from biomass by contacting the solution with a solid catalyst to decarboxylate the C2-6 carboxylic acid or the C2-6 carboxylate, thereby forming a C1-5 hydrocarbon.