Electrochemical conversion of a bio-derivable hydroxy acid to a drop-in oxygenate diesel fuel

Abstract

3-Hydroxy decanoic acid (3-HDA), derivable from glucose or xylose waste-streams, was successfully upgraded electrochemically into a drop-in oxygenate with promising fuel characteristics.

(Non-)Kolbe electrolysis in biomass valorization – a discussion of potential applications

“…However, this has significantly changed; today, a growing number of studies focus on the necessary understanding and applicability in bio-refineries. 18,25,26,[61][62][63] This chapter aims to recapitulate the literature concerning (Non-)Kolbe electrolysis since 2000, devoting special attention to green and economical approaches, in particular the conversion of biogenic acids into fuels, platform chemicals and value-added compounds. The chapter will be organized with respect to general feasibility e.g.…”

“…24 Another drop-in fuel can be produced from bio-derivable 3-hydroxy decanoic acid. 26 The long-chain acid can be obtained from bio-feedstocks after the fermentation of glucose and xylose into 3-(3-hydroxy-alkanoyloxy)alkanoates (HAAs) and subsequent hydrolysis. The Non-Kolbe electrolysis of 3-hydroxy decanoic acid or slightly modified fermentation broth leads to high amounts of C 9 -oxygenates (95% yield) with excellent fuel properties (e.g.…”

“…24 Moreover, electrochemical conversions of biogenic acids in fermentation broths to value added products were demonstrated by our group. 25,26 One of the most relevant electrochemical reactions is the Kolbe electrolysis. It comprises the anodic decarboxylation of organic acids leading to the formation of prolonged hydrocarbons and CO 2 as the co-product.…”

Bio-upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate

“…In contrast to many other fatty acid containing molecules, HAAs are secreted into the growth medium 47 , resulting in simpler purification that does not rely on cell lysis. HAAs are amphiphilic molecules with surface-active properties and interesting platform chemicals for further bio-or chemo-catalytic conversion 25 .…”

“…GO16 into the native intracellular polymer polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and into the engineered extracellular building block hydroxyalkanoyloxy-alkanoate (HAA). After HAA purification, this platform molecule 25 was chemically co-polymerized to form a novel partly bio-based poly(amide urethane) (bio-PU). In short, we present novel sequential bioupcycling routes for PET waste, adding technological flexibility to the global challenge of sustainable end-of-life management of plastics.…”