Clean Technology
Biomass-Derived HMF Using Renewable Solvents
WARF: P120325US01
Inventors: James Dumesic, Jean Marcel Ribeiro Gallo, David Martin Alonso
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a method to convert biomass into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and other value-added chemicals using organic solvents.
Overview
The sugars found in biomass can be treated with solvent and converted into many important building block chemicals. One such chemical is 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which is used to make plastic materials that traditionally have relied on petroleum sources.
A solvent like 2-sec-butylphenol can be used in the conversion process with great success. However, this solvent is highly toxic and during the reaction it produces a solid byproduct called humin that must be filtered. Also, upgrading the HMF into other chemicals requires separating it out first.
An alternative type of solvent could make the conversion process safer, cheaper and more efficient.
A solvent like 2-sec-butylphenol can be used in the conversion process with great success. However, this solvent is highly toxic and during the reaction it produces a solid byproduct called humin that must be filtered. Also, upgrading the HMF into other chemicals requires separating it out first.
An alternative type of solvent could make the conversion process safer, cheaper and more efficient.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a process to convert biomass-derived sugars into HMF, furfural and other downstream chemicals using an organic solvent. In this way, both the sugars and solvent are sourced from renewable feedstock.
Biomass sugars (mostly fructose and glucose) are reacted in a one- or two-phase reaction solution containing water and the organic solvent. This solvent can comprise lactones, furans and pyrans derived from plant matter like starch and cellulose. The reaction is conducted in the presence of acid and dehydration catalysts. Under suitable conditions, a portion of the sugar is converted to HMF.
Moreover, the HMF may be readily separated and upgraded into other chemicals like FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid), which is used to make fiber and packaging polyesters.
Biomass sugars (mostly fructose and glucose) are reacted in a one- or two-phase reaction solution containing water and the organic solvent. This solvent can comprise lactones, furans and pyrans derived from plant matter like starch and cellulose. The reaction is conducted in the presence of acid and dehydration catalysts. Under suitable conditions, a portion of the sugar is converted to HMF.
Moreover, the HMF may be readily separated and upgraded into other chemicals like FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid), which is used to make fiber and packaging polyesters.
Applications
- Production of HMF, furfural and other value-added downstream chemicals
Key Benefits
- Solvents are renewable and effective.
- No solid humin is formed.
- No filtration step is required.
- Solid-acid catalysts can be used and easily recovered.
- Amenable to one- or two-phase reaction method
Stage of Development
The researchers have obtained HMF yields of 60 percent using glucose and 80 percent using fructose.
Additional Information
Related Technologies
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854