An integrated strategy for catalytic co-production of jet fuel range alkenes, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and 1,2-pentanediol from lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract

This study presents an integrated strategy for the catalytic co-production of jet fuel range alkenes (JFA), tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), and 1,2-pentanediol (1,2-PeD) from lignocellulosic biomass, which consists of cellulose (C₆), hemicellulose (C₅), and lignin. In this strategy, the JFA are produced from C₆, while THFA and 1,2-PeD are produced from C₅. To techno-economically develop and evaluate the integrated strategy, we performed an experimental investigation and a simulation study. First, we analyzed the conversion technology based on experimental data and determined the cost-efficient process route. Next, we performed the simulation study including process synthesis, energy analysis, heat integration, and economic evaluation. This study presents three designs (design A, B, and C) processing 2000 tonnes per day of corn stover. The biomass-to-product carbon yields range from 24.6% to 29.5%. We designed a heat exchanger network to reduce the total heating requirements for the designs, and 37% of heating energy is recovered. The minimum selling price of 1,2-PeD for design A ($2.37 per kg) and B ($2.50 per kg) is in the current market price range ($2.0–3.0 per kg). It showed that this strategy can be cost-competitive with the conventional process.