The e-CATBio project aims to demonstrate the ground-breaking nature of the electrification of enzymatic and catalytic processes by using a case studyof cellulose to adipic acid conversion. The project has five objectives which include:
- the engineering of magnetic catalysts with tailored magnetic properties, supports, and active sites,
- designing electrified reactors with induction-heated magnetic grains with enzymatic and catalytic activity,
- demonstrating continuous operation of induction-heated catalytic reactors while keeping the fluid phase cold,
- demonstrating the concept of distinct heating of catalyst grains in induction-heated reactors, and
- improving the analytic and multi-scale modelling methodology relevant for inductively-heated systems.
The project is highly relevant as it addresses the pressing necessity of green transition and digitalization, which are required for the paradigm shift towards transient energy availability. The project addresses aspects such as intermittent availability of energy from renewable resources, use of renewable carbon sources, and requirements for industrial carbon and GHG neutrality. The relevance of the project is demonstrated through the utilization of previously underutilized biomass components from biorefining and textile waste, the development of multiscale methodology for predicting necessary operating conditions and enzymatic/catalyst properties, the development of a decarbonized catalytic system, lower energy requirements and improved productivity by targeted induction heating of the catalyst in a continuous reactor, and a platform for conceptualizing a “distinctive particle heating” methodology.
The proposed research is highly original as it demonstrates the first continuous reactor with inductive heating of magnetic catalysts for biomass conversion, the first continuous conversion of realistic hexose streams into adipic acid over a solid catalyst, and the first-time different types of catalyst grains inside a fixed bed reactor will be operating at distinctive temperatures optimized for the role of each catalyst type. The project also aims to tailor catalyst magnetic properties and oscillating magnetic fields accordingly. Additionally, the project utilizes induction-heated enzyme and catalyst surfaces by keeping the reactants in liquid and/or gas phase at a significantly lower temperature, inhibiting eventual thermal, non-catalytic side reactions, boosting selectivity, and allowing operation at lower vapour pressure. Lastly, the project aims to describe processes and phenomena and subsequently forecast them using a comprehensive multiscale-modelling support.
The project’s impact is substantiated through multiple KPIs, including:
48 samples of immobilized enzymes prepared over magnetic support and tested. More than 50 °C difference between the catalyst surface and bulk liquid temperature resulting in boosted selectivity of catalytic reactions. The first reported continuous catalytic production of bio-based adipic acid (esters) on a 100 g/day scale without external H2 gas.
The first reported catalyst particles in the same bed are heated to different target temperatures.
At least 8 publications in Q1 scientific journals on the field of catalysis, and chemical engineering.
At least two patent applications on the inventions of this project.
In conclusion, the e-CATBio project is highly innovative. It addresses critical aspects of green transition and digitalization by utilizing underutilized biomass components, developing a multiscale methodology for predicting operating conditions, and demonstrating the first continuous reactor with inductive heating of magnetic catalysts for biomass conversion. The project has the potential to significantly impact the field of catalysis and contribute to the decarbonization of the chemical industry, especially for adipic acid production which currently generates an astonishing 17 tons of CO2-equivalentgreenhouse gas emissions per ton of adipic acid produced.
