Detoxification of hemicellulosic hydrolysate for butanol production

High demands for fossil fuels and increasing concerns over global warming have renewed the interests in bio-butanol production from biomass resources as an alternative liquid fuel. Hemicellulose, as an inexpensive and abundant raw material, has great potential for being suitable fermentation substrate. A problem associated with the fermentation of hemicellulosic sugars into butanol is the presence of a broad range of compounds such as weak acids, furfural, HMF (Hydroxymethyl furfural) and phenolic compounds, which are toxic for the fermenting microorganisms and prevent efficient fermentation. Overcoming the impact of these inhibitory compounds is one of the main challenges for butanol production. So, the main objective of this study is to develop an efficient detoxification strategy of hemicelluloses hydrolysates, obtained from pulp mill in order to enhance the production of butanol by fermentation ensure the profitability of this butanol route.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Jean Paris

Student:

Salomeh Engineering

Partner:

GreenField Ethanol Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

Polytechnique Montréal