Work

Acid-Catalyzed Dehydration of 1,3-Butanediol into Green 1,3-Butadiene: Process Concept and Techno-Economic Assessment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: For the first time, a process concept for the on-purpose production of sustainable 1,3-butadiene (99.5 wt %) from biobased 1,3-butanediol is reported. The comprehensive design of the 200 kt/y 1,3-butadiene plant, coproducing ∼ 59 kt/y of propylene, is centered on a moving bed reactor with a zeolite catalyst. For a feedstock price of 1,120 EUR/t, the minimum butadiene selling price amounted to ∼ 3,500 EUR/t, with a total capital expenditure of ∼ 280 million EUR. A negative carbon footprint of −0.78 tonne CO 2 per tonne 1,3-BD was achieved, including the production of 1,3-BDO. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated the potential of the proposed technology, requiring a minimum catalyst selectivity of 86% and a legal framework supporting a 10% market share for green 1,3-butadiene, while limiting the overall price increase to 5%. Moreover, design guidelines were identified to ensure a competitive process, such as the importance of a mature 1,3-butanediol production process using second-generation biomass and the need for catalysts that minimize 3-buten-1-ol cracking.

Source: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.5c01116

Authors: Pieter Janssens, Thomas Schaep, Céline De Walsche, Jeroen Poissonnier, René Bos, Joris W. Thybaut

Institution: Ghent University

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500