Research on high value-added chemical production and local development through effective biomass use

Project Gist

The effective use of biomass, and the development of rural communities through biomass utilization was studied.

Keywords

Biomass utilization, Process innovation, Rural development, Value-added chemicals

Background and Purpose

This project considers the following sustainable development goals (SDGs): Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9) and Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12) to effectively convert lignocellulosic biomass into value-added chemicals suitable as additives in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and energy industries. This project used process simulation and optimization to generate novel processes to separate and purify ethanol, butanol, and other valuable chemicals. Also, experimental biomass pretreatment and fermentation techniques were studied, and an ultrasound-assisted process was proposed. Finally, field trips in Japan and Mexico were made to understand how people in rural communities can use biomass on-site and can contribute to the circular economy and sustainable development.

Project Achievements

In this project, we share the research findings with the international scientific community through the publication of scientific articles and domestic and international conference proceedings. One team member was awarded a Student Excellence Award. We proposed a process development and innovation framework that can generate novel processes that outperform current technology for separating and purifying bio-based chemicals. The proposed framework is robust enough that it can be used in commercial applications. Also, we proposed an ultrasound-based biomass pretreatment metho, and we used several chemicals with less toxicity and risk compared with current alkali pretreatment technology to find new ways to pretreat biomass.

Future Prospects

Based on the outcomes of this project, the team members can apply for future international grants to keep studying theoretical and experimental aspects of biomass utilization. Also, the study of rural communities is a challenging issue to achieve sustainable development and circular economy society. Also, the proposed process innovation framework is robust enough. Therefore, it is possible to apply for grants to make a Startup.

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Principal Investigator