Description:
The aim of the CatchBio program is to process the various components present in biomass (cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin, proteins and oils) into useful fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Since accessible crude oil reserves are slowly but surely running out, there is an urgent need to develop industrial processes capable of turning renewable biomass into a viable alternative for crude oil. CatchBio aims to develop clean and efficient processes for biomass conversion into low-cost and sustainable biofuels and bulk-chemicals. WUR-FBR is involved in four sub-projects, in collaboration with renowned Dutch academic catalysis groups;
- 053.70.004: Catalytic decarboxylation of (unsaturated) fatty acids to produce superior biodiesel (in collaboration with UU).
- 053.70.114: Catalytic Production of Butadiene from Bio-ethanol and Non-fermentable Sugars (in collaboration with UU).
- 053.70.112: Catalytic valorisation of lignin to key phenols and aromatics (in collaboration with UvA).
- 053.70.014: Solid acid catalysts for transesterifcation and esterification of biodiesel (in collaboration with UU).
Research objectives:
The two projects relating to the catalytic transformations of fatty acids reside within the CatchBio energy cluster, due to focus on biodiesel production.The other two projects reside within the CatchBio bulk-chemicals cluster, where the focus is on producing butadiene from carbohydrates and phenols and aromatics from lignins. Novel catalysis technologies will be developed to convert these feedstocks into final products.
Results and products:
Since all 4 sub-projects have only recently officially started (September 2009), up till now only preliminary results have been obtained. Activities consisted of extended desk studies, setting up of analytical techniques, and reaction equipment, and the validation of relevant literature procedures. |
