Biomass Deconstruction via Water-Based Solvent Catalysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting lignocellulosic biomass into components suitable for producing fuels and chemicals are costly and inefficient due to the need for distinct processing conditions for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and lack a cost-effective process for separating these components for bioreforming processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving catalytic reactions with a biomass processing solvent produced by reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon with hydrogen in the presence of a deoxygenation catalyst, followed by reaction with a biomass component to produce a biomass hydrolysate containing soluble derivatives of lignocellulose, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which can be further processed for fuel and chemical production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive organic solvents are used to fractionate lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin streams, then the separation of dissolved lignin from solid cellulose and hemicellulose is achieved, but the processing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive organic solvents with water, a cheap and readily available substance. The water-based system achieves effective separation of lignin from cellulose and hemicellulose through controlled precipitation and filtration, eliminating the need for costly solvent recovery and disposal processes while maintaining separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in pH, temperature, and ionic strength parameters to control the solubility and precipitation behavior of biomass components. By adjusting these parameters, the process achieves selective separation of lignin without requiring expensive organic solvents, thereby reducing processing costs while maintaining reliable separation
2Productivity
If distinct processing conditions are applied to cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin to effectively break apart their polymer structures, then the conversion efficiency of each component is improved, but the process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the processing of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin into a single integrated water-based system. By using water as a universal processing medium and applying combined thermal-chemical treatment, the process achieves effective depolymerization of all three biomass components simultaneously, reducing process complexity while maintaining high conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal water-based processing system that can handle all three major biomass components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) under similar conditions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate processing lines for each component, thereby simplifying the overall process while maintaining high conversion efficiency for all components
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 enables efficient deconstruction of biomass into usable components for bioreforming processes, reducing costs by eliminating the need for expensive solvents and facilitating the conversion of biomass into valuable products like sugars, alcohols, and hydrocarbons.
Implementation Method 1
catalytic reactions with a biomass processing solvent produced by reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon with hydrogen in the presence of a deoxygenation catalyst
Implementation Method 2
reacting the biomass processing solvent with a biomass component at a deconstruction temperature and a deconstruction pressure to produce a biomass hydrolysate comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble lignocellulose derivative, a water-soluble cellulose derivative, a water-soluble hemicellulose derivative
Implementation Method 3
producing a biomass hydrolysate that includes water-soluble carbohydrates, lignin, and lignocellulosic derivatives
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass using water. The method generally includes loading a reactor with biomass and water, heating the reactor to a first deconstruction temperature and establishing a first deconstruction pressure, maintaining the reactor at the first deconstruction temperature and a first deconstruction pressure for a first deconstruction period, flushing the reactor with water, and repeating these steps one or more times after establishing a second deconstructing temperature and second deconstruction pressure.