. 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 Inaterial, has great potential for being suitable fermentation substrate. A probleln 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 ilnpact 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:

Mario Jolicoeur

Student:

Partner:

FPInnovations (Pointe-Claire, QC);Greenfield Ethanol Inc (Chatham, ON);BioFuelNet;École Polytechnique de Montréal

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

École Polytechnique de Montréal

Program: