Biochemically-catalytically produced biofuels
Alkanes and a-olefins are the two most important molecular families derived for use as fuels and chemicals. Social resistance can be minimised through the production of exact replacements for fossil-based fuels and chemicals.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences
- Institute(s) Agriculture
- Research unit(s) Sustainability and Circular Economy
- Funding organisation SNSF
- Duration 01.12.2014 - 31.12.2019
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Michael Hans-Peter Studer
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Project staff
Manfred Muhr
Robert Lawrence Shahab
Xiros Charilaos -
Partner
HFL
EPFL - Keywords cellulosic biomass, enzymatic hydrolysis, carboxylic acids, biofilm, lactic acid
Situation
The joint project aims to develop the technology to produce renewable alkanes and a-olefins from cellulosic biomass through subsequent biochemical and catalytic conversion processes applicable to production routes of the chemical industry.
Course of action
The sub-projects encompass the two main conversion processes, as well as the sustainability assessment along the entire value chain. The Studer project focuses on the production of carboxylic acids (lactic acid, butyric acid, mixed volatile fatty acids) from lignocellulosic biomass by adapting a consolidated bioprocess employing a microbial consortium, which has been developed for cellulosic ethanol production.
