APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
- Production of biofuels and biomass-based products
- Biomass processing and pretreatment
- Synthesis of renewable deep eutectic solvents (DESs)
ADVANTAGES:
- Utilizes sustainable solvents for biomass processing
- Decreases costs of biomass processing
- Reduces steps required for DES synthesis
ABSTRACT:
Inexpensive and renewable reagents are highly desirable for cost-competitive operation of future biorefineries. This invention by a team of researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) comprises a new class of renewable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) synthesized from lignin-derived phenolic compounds.
JBEI’s DESs have shown their potential as solvents for biomass pretreatment in terms of lignin removal and sugar release after enzymatic saccharification. Recycling and reusability of DESs have been evaluated, demonstrating that DESs synthesized from renewable resources are promising solvents for biorefinery success.
DESs share the favorable solvent qualities of traditional ionic liquids such as low volatility, wide liquid range, water-compatibility, non-flammability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, but are produced at much higher purities. Additionally, this new class of DES doesn’t require multistep synthesis, which reduces processing costs.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Initial demonstration
RELATED PUBLICATION:
Kim., K., Dutta, T., Sun, J., Simmons, B., and Singh, S. “Biomass pretreatment using deep eutectuc solvents from lignin derived phenols,” Green Chemistry, 2018, 20, 809.
STATUS: Published PCT patent application US2018/030540 (Publication WO/2018/204424 A1). Available for licensing or collaborative research.
SEE THESE OTHER BERKELEY LAB TECHNOLOGIES IN THIS FIELD:
Switchable Ionic Liquids for Biomass Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis, 2014-064
Tunable pH Ionic Liquids for Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Materials, 2015-096
Consolidated Conversion of Biomass into Biofuels using Ionic Liquids, 2014-139