Sustainable routes for acetic acid production: Traditional processes vs a low-carbon, biogas-based strategy

Description

The conversion of biogas, mainly formed of CO2 and CH4, into high-value platform chemicals is increasing attention in a context of low-carbon societies. In this new paradigm, acetic acid (AA) is deemed as an interesting product for the chemical industry. Herein we present a fresh overview of the current manufacturing approaches, compared to poten- tial low-carbon alternatives. The use of biogas as primary feedstock to produce acetic acid is an auspicious alternative, representing a step-ahead on carbon-neutral industrial processes. Within the spirit of a circular economy, we propose and analyse a new BIO-strategy with two noteworthy pathways to potentially lower the environmental impact. The generation of syngas via dry reforming (DRM) combined with CO2 utilisation offers a way to produce acetic acid in a two-step approach (BIO-Indirect route), replacing the conventional, petroleum-derived steam reforming process. The most recent advances on catalyst design and technology are discussed. On the other hand, the BIO-Direct route offers a ground-breaking, atom-efficient way to directly generate acetic acid from biogas. Nevertheless, due to thermo- dynamic restrictions, the use of plasma technology is needed to directly produce acetic acid. This very promising ap- proach is still in an early stage. Particularly, progress in catalyst design is mandatory to enable low-carbon routes for acetic acid production.

Abstract

Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación y Agencia Estatal de Investigación, de España. MCIN/AEI - PID2019- 08502RJ-I00, IJC2019-040560-I y RYC2018-024387-I

Abstract

Comisión Europea - H2020-MSCA-RISE-2020 BIOALL/101008058

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