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Production of Ethanol from Biomass Using Dicarboxylic Acids

Summary

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol that results in an ethanol yield of approximately 90 percent. This process includes treating lignocellulosic biomass with a dicarboxylic acid to hydrolyze hemicellulose and lignocellulosic biomass to xylose. This results in minimal formation of degradation products. Lower amounts of degradation product allows for less enzymes or yeast used, resulting in a ready fermentation of the xylose to ethanol using a yeast without the necessity of purifying material.

Technology Benefits

Minimal degradation in ethanol production Decreases the number of enzymes or yeast used in the fermentation of ethanol

Technology Application

Biofuels Ethanol production Alternative fuel production

Detailed Technology Description

Michael LadischPurdue Agricultural and Biological EngineeringLORRE Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering

Countries

United States

Application No.

8,790,904

*Abstract

*Background

In 2005, the U.S. government created the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, which was further expanded in 2007 with the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). Both programs mandate reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable fuel sources, and reducing reliance on imported oil, resulting in increased emphasis on developing new methods to efficiently produce fuel from renewable, non-petroleum resources. Ethanol, a renewable fuel, is commercially produced from feedstocks of cornstarch, sugar cane, and sugar beets; however, these products have competing uses in the food industry, which increases their price and leads to seeking alternative feedstock sources. Current processes use acids, which cause degradation of minerals in the biomass to form substances that can inhibit the subsequent fermentation steps, increasing the cost of such processes.

*IP Issue Date

Jul 29, 2014

*IP Type

Utility

*Stage of Development

Process validation in lab

*Web Links

Purdue Office of Technology CommercializationPurdueInnovation and EntrepreneurshipMichael LadischPurdue Agricultural and Biological EngineeringLORRE Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering

Country/Region

USA