Abstract
This work evaluates the direct etherification of bio-sourced isobutylene with ethanol forming fully renewable ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE). Challenge was the use of the fermentative produced substrate in a solvent-free catalysis using the acidic ion exchanger Amberlyst-15. CO2 impurities have a significant influence on the liquid phase process. The conversion at a ratio that is based on molarities of isobutylene to ethanol of 1:0.9 results in yields up to 97 mol% ETBE. Purities up to 99 wt.% could be achieved by subsequent water extraction in order to ensure qualities for technical application as high performance fuel additive.
Highlights
The reduction of CO2 emissions and other pollutants, especially in the transport sector, is of central importance for a sustainable energy management
The goal of this study was the first evaluation of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) synthesis from fermentative generated isobutylene in order to produce a purely biogenic product fraction, and, in consequence, providing a neutral CO2 balance
During etherification the olefin molecule is adsorbed by two sulfonic groups
Summary
The reduction of CO2 emissions and other pollutants, especially in the transport sector, is of central importance for a sustainable energy management. A limit value of 95 g CO2 /km is set for new licensed vehicles [1]. Mainly alcohol-based biofuels, such as bioethanol in Otto engines or fatty acid methyl esters as biodiesel in diesel vehicles are used. These biofuels can only be blended to conventional fossil fuels in limited amounts in order to avoid technical incompatibilities. When compared to methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), it has less critical environmental impact [2,3] and it can be blended up to 47% [4]. Ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) provides nearly triple the alternative energy value than the direct blending of ethanol into fuels [5]
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