Sustainable One-Pot Production and Scale-Up of the New Platform Chemical Diformylxylose (DFX) from Agricultural Biomass
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The large-scale production of platform chemicals from biomass requires efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable methods. Here, we present three one-pot synthesis routes for producing diformylxylose (DFX), a sugar-based solvent and platform chemical, using d-xylose or corncobs as feedstocks. With yields of approximately 80%, these routes were seamlessly scaled from lab to kilogram-scale in a 15 L batch reactor. Techno-economic assessment demonstrates the competitiveness of the proposed methods against fossil- and biobased analogues. Life-cycle analysis shows the potential of these processes to reduce environmental and societal impacts from cradle to gate. At the "end of life", DFX is demonstrated to be inherently biodegradable. Overall, we present a compelling case study of scaling a novel platform chemical guided by techno-economic and environmental concerns leading to balanced cost-competitiveness and life-cycle sustainability.
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: NCCR Catalysis: Sustainable chamical processes through catalyst design, A new PhD training for the next generation of sustainable science leaders, G434337789, G4959696205, A new PhD training for the next generation of sustainable science leaders, G6504295074, G6708061535, From Plant to Polymer: Lignin upgrading to high-value aromatic monomers and their derived polymers, Using protection group chemistry during biomass depolymerization, G8281355190
OpenAlex ID: W4401595407