Techno‐economic analysis of multiple bio‐based routes to adipic acid

Abstract

Techno‐economic studies of four processes for production of adipic acid from glucose were used to compare the minimum cost of production by each route. We analyzed the purely biological production via reverse β‐oxidation in E. coli; a purely chemical process using oxidation of glucose via chemical catalysis to glucaric acid that undergoes catalytic hydrodeoxygenation to adipic acid; and two hybrid routes that biologically convert glucose to either 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid or 1, 6‐hexanediol, that are subsequently converted chemically to adipic acid using a metal catalyst. All analyses were based on adipic acid production capacity of 80 000 metric ton/year. Estimated total capital investments were US$157 million, $81 million, $166 million, and $177 million for the purely ­biological, chemical, and two integrated hybrid routes, respectively. Catalyst costs were estimated as $72 million, $36 million, and $37 million for the purely chemical and two integrated routes, respectively. The estimated adipic acid minimum selling prices were $1.36, $1.56, $1.48, and $1.70 per kg for the purely biological, purely chemical, and two integrated routes, respectively. Co‐product revenue and the use of unpurified sugars improved the economics of adipic acid production in the purely biological and two integrated routes. Comparison of the economics of the chemical catalytic steps shows that catalyst yields, turnover frequency, and catalyst life must be greater than 40% of theoretical, 0.01 s‐1, and 100 days to achieve economic viability of purely chemical and integrated routes to adipic acid. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aerobic oxidation of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid over Au-based catalysts: the role of basic supports

“…13 On the other hand, the bio-based production of AA has become an alternative candidate to the petrochemical process. 3,14,15 In an alternative approach, Boussie et al 16 presented a two-step catalytic process for the synthesis of AA. 99% yield of AA was obtained by C-O bond hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (obtained by the hydrogenation of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, yield of 88%).…”

Biocatalytic Production of Amino Carbohydrates through Oxidoreductase and Transaminase Cascades

“…To date, most applications of plant carbohydrates begin by deconstructing polysaccharides to monomers for fermentation to fuels and platform chemicals. [9][10][11][12][13] An emerging area of research aims to utilize the versatility and ensuingu seful properties of native structures present in plant carbohydrates instead of degrading the structurest o monomers. [6,7] For example, diacids, diamines,a nd AB monomers (e.g.,m olecules containing both carboxylic acid and amino groups)a re required for polyamide synthesis, [8] andd iacids and diols for polyester synthesis.…”

“…[6,7] For example, diacids, diamines,a nd AB monomers (e.g.,m olecules containing both carboxylic acid and amino groups)a re required for polyamide synthesis, [8] andd iacids and diols for polyester synthesis. [9][10][11][12][13] An emerging area of research aims to utilize the versatility and ensuingu seful properties of native structures present in plant carbohydrates instead of degrading the structurest o monomers. [14][15][16][17] Bifunctional carbohydrates (e.g.,d iacids, diamines, or AB monomers) from native carbohydrate structures are among the desired products.…”

Base free oxidation of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid over supported noble metal mono- and bimetallic catalysts

“…The manufacture of bio-based adipic acid has emerged as an alternative to the petrochemical process [2,3,21,22]. For instance, Rennovia claimed a two-step catalytic process starting with the hydrogenation of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid to tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (yield of 88%) followed by ring-opening to adipic acid (yield of 99%), using acetic acid as solvent [23].…”