Sustainable γ-valerolactone Production via Photothermal Catalysis
Competitive Advantages
- Reduced synthesis cost: lower temperature, pressure and reaction time.
- Elimination of the H2 gas in the hydrogenation reaction.
- Compatible with solar synthesis (zero energy cost).
- Low cost and scalable Ni-based photothermal catalyst with broadband absorption covering the whole solar spectrum.
- Circular economy: transforming biomass residues into high value chemicals.
Goal
Licensing and/or co-development.Patent Application
EP24383185.6 Priority date: 30th of October 2024Reference
UBTT0519-EContact
Isabel Gavilanes: Isabel.gavilanes@csic.es Sancho Moro: smoro@fbg.ub.eduSustainable γ-valerolactone Production via Photothermal Catalysis
Executive summary
This invention introduces a novel and sustainable photothermal catalytic method for synthesizing γ-valerolactone (GVL), a high-value chemical platform with applications as biofuel, green solvent for the pharma industry, precursor for polymers and perfumery. The process utilizes biomass feedstocks and new scalable nickel-based catalysts that significantly reduce the energy requirements, reaction time and temperature, avoiding H2 gas, and enabling solar synthesis.
Market need
GVL is a bio-based chemical with remarkable industrial potential, primarily due to its derivation from renewable biomass and its versatile properties as a green solvent, fuel additive, and chemical precursor. GVL is poised to replace traditional, hazardous solvents in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. Furthermore, it can be catalytically converted into a range of valuable products, including high-energy liquid fuels, polymers, and other specialty chemicals. GVL is a key player in the transition toward a more sustainable and bio-based economy. However, traditional methods for GVL synthesis involve harsh energy intensive conditions or fossil-derived inputs, limiting the environmental and economic viability.
Proposed solution
Sustainable alternative to conventional γ-valerolactone synthesis by:
- Efficient photothermal production via scalable and cost-effective Ni-based catalysts without H2 gas, at lower reaction temperature and in shorter time.
- Synthesis based on renewable feedstocks, reducing dependence on fossil-derived chemicals.
- Reduced energy consumption compared to traditional hydrogenation processes and compatibility with solar synthesis.
Current stage of development
The current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the invention is TRL 3.