In-situ Hydrogen Generation for Biomass Polyol Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomass conversion technologies face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively converting biomass into valuable products, particularly due to the need for external hydrogen sources and high costs associated with traditional methods, such as the production of propylene glycol from fossil fuels, and the difficulty in refining crude glycerol byproducts from biodiesel production.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating hydrogen in-situ through aqueous phase reforming (APR) using a Group VIII metal catalyst and then using this hydrogen to react with biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons over a second catalytic material, such as iron, ruthenium, or copper, to produce oxygenated compounds like propylene glycol, diols, ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols at lower temperatures and pressures, eliminating the need for external hydrogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If external hydrogen is used for hydrogenation of biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons, then the hydrogenation reaction can proceed efficiently, but the production cost increases and the process becomes less sustainable
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own hydrogen through aqueous phase reforming of biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons (such as glycerol) within the same reactor system where hydrogenation occurs. This self-generated hydrogen eliminates the need for external hydrogen supply, reducing production costs and improving sustainability while maintaining efficient hydrogenation reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two separate processes - aqueous phase reforming (hydrogen generation) and hydrogenation - into a single integrated reactor system. The reforming catalyst generates hydrogen in-situ, which is then immediately available for the hydrogenation reaction over the hydrogenation catalyst, eliminating the need for separate hydrogen production and transportation steps.
2Quantity of substance
If external hydrogen is transported and introduced at elevated pressures, then sufficient hydrogen is available for reaction, but the process efficiency decreases and overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system produces its own hydrogen through aqueous phase reforming of the biomass-derived feedstock within the reactor, eliminating the need for external hydrogen transportation and pressurization. This in-situ generation maintains adequate hydrogen availability for the hydrogenation reaction while avoiding the efficiency losses and costs associated with external hydrogen supply.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional steam reforming is used for hydrogen production, then hydrogen can be generated, but high temperatures and pressures are required increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aqueous phase reforming instead of traditional steam reforming, conducting the hydrogen generation reaction in the liquid phase at lower temperatures and pressures. This parameter change from gas-phase steam reforming to liquid-phase aqueous reforming reduces the energy consumption while maintaining effective hydrogen production for the hydrogenation reaction.
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 approach reduces production costs, enhances environmental sustainability by utilizing renewable biomass, and increases the efficiency of converting biomass into valuable chemicals like propylene glycol, while minimizing energy requirements and operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
generating hydrogen in-situ through aqueous phase reforming (APR) using a Group VIII metal catalyst
Implementation Method 2
aqueous phase reforming (APR) hydrogen by contacting an oxygenated hydrocarbon in a first portion of the aqueous feedstock solution with a first catalytic material
Implementation Method 3
reacting the APR hydrogen with an oxygenated hydrocarbon in a second portion of the feedstock solution to reduce the oxygenated hydrocarbon over a second catalytic material
Implementation Method 4
reacting the APR hydrogen with an oxygenated hydrocarbon in a second portion of the feedstock solution to reduce the oxygenated hydrocarbon over a second catalytic material
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are methods for generating propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols from biomass using hydrogen produced from the biomass. The methods involve reacting a portion of an aqueous stream of a biomass feedstock solution over a catalyst under aqueous phase reforming conditions to produce hydrogen, and then reacting the hydrogen and the aqueous feedstock solution over a catalyst to produce propylene glycol, ethylene glycal and the other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols. The disclosed methods can be run at lower temperatures and pressures, and allows for the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons without the need for hydrogen from an external source.