Potential of bioethanol as a chemical building block for biorefineries

Preliminary sustainability assessment of 12 bioethanol-based products

Journal article (2013)

Authors

John A. Posada Universiteit Utrecht
Akshay D. Patel Universiteit Utrecht
Alexander Roes Universiteit Utrecht
K. Blok Universiteit Utrecht
A.P.C. Faaij Universiteit Utrecht
Martin K. Patel Universiteit Utrecht
Affiliation
External organisation
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Published Date

01-01-2013

Language

English

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External organisation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present and apply a quick screening method and to identify the most promising bioethanol derivatives using an early-stage sustainability assessment method that compares a bioethanol-based conversion route to its respective petrochemical counterpart. The method combines, by means of a multi-criteria approach, quantitative and qualitative proxy indicators describing economic, environmental, health and safety and operational aspects. Of twelve derivatives considered, five were categorized as favorable (diethyl ether, 1,3-butadiene, ethyl acetate, propylene and ethylene), two as promising (acetaldehyde and ethylene oxide) and five as unfavorable derivatives (acetic acid, n-butanol, isobutylene, hydrogen and acetone) for an integrated biorefinery concept.