Co-production of fully renewable medium chain α-olefins and bio-oilviahydrothermal liquefaction of biomass containing polyhydroxyalkanoic acid

Abstract

Co-production of fully renewable medium chain α-olefins and bio-oil by hydrothermal liquefaction.

Towards bioproduction of poly-α-olefins from lignocellulose

“…Applications of mcl-LAO span from "drop-in fuels" to co-monomers in the production of poly-α-olefins (PAO) used as lubricants. 26 Recently, the natural biosynthesis of mcl-LAOs has been elucidated in P. aureginosa. It was discovered that a single gene undA catalyses fatty acid (C 12 ) conversion to 1-undecene.…”

System-Level Optimization to Improve Biofuel Potential via Genetic Engineering and Hydrothermal Liquefaction

“…25 Even though a remarkable amount of the PHB was converted into gaseous propylene, reducing the yield of bio-oil, the gaseous propylene can be easily separated and recovered as a precursor for renewable biofuel 26 or biomaterials. 27 It is clear that PHB is not a good candidate to produce liquid bio-oil. It is possible that PHA produced from longer chain 3-hydroxy fatty acids (e.g., mcl-PHAs) can improve the bio-oil yield via HTL.…”

“…We have previously observed that mcl-PHA thermal degradation led 3-OH C10 conversion to 3-decenoic acid via β-elimination. 27 3-decenoic acid was then isomerized into 2decenoic acid, which readily undergoes decarboxylation into 1nonene. There are some side reactions as well to produce small amounts of nonene isomers and decalactones.…”

“…These chemicals can be recovered and fractionated by distillation into many coproduct streams, improving biofuel economic feasibility by expanding the coproduct portfolio. 33 HTL of Biomass from a Synechocystis Glycogen Knockout Mutant. Since glycogen contributed very little to BFI yield, we envisaged that reduction of glycogen in the biomass might enhance the bio-oil yield.…”

“…The precipitated resin was separated, and the residual solvent was removed by evaporation in a vacuum oven at 40 °C overnight. 27 HTL Process and Product Recovery. HTL reactors were made with 316 stainless steel with a 4 in.…”