Advanced Biomass Conversion: Sustainable e-Methanol Production with Enhanced CO ₂ Utilization

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Amid escalating concerns over climate change and emissions, this study presents a novel approach to develop sustainable fuels, leveraging advanced process modeling that uses waste CO₂ streams from the biological ethanol fermentation process to produce e-methanol. Using Aspen Plus software, this research focuses on the conversion of biomass such as sugar cane and sugar beet to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and fortify energy resilience in a sustainable manner. In the first phase, bagasse, a byproduct of sugar production that is rich in carbon is used as a precursor for gasification and as a fuel to generate high-pressure steam. Oxygen obtained from electrolysis of water using renewable energy is used to preheat the biological exothermic fermentation phase. The CO₂ captured during the fermentation phase is mixed with hydrogen obtained from the electrolysis process to synthesize e-methanol. Lignin, a byproduct of second-generation bioethanol, and surplus bagasse are identified and converted into ethanol and e-methanol, respectively, optimizing the use of CO₂ from fermentation and O₂ from electrolysis. Lastly, gasification of the carbon-rich bagasse serves to further enhance methanol production, culminating in the generation of enriched e-methanol. This results in enhanced bioenergy, bio-carbon recovery and consequently reduced fossil CO₂ emissions, offering a holistic CO₂ and biomass management solution. This research introduces a groundbreaking approach to sustainable fuel production, significantly advancing over traditional methods by implementing a closed carbon cycle that fully utilizes every carbon atom from biomass feedstock. This contrasts sharply with conventional practices where carbon dioxide is often released as a byproduct, aggravating greenhouse gas emissions. A key innovation is the waste-to-value conversion, where byproducts like bagasse and lignin are transformed into valuable fuel sources, adding a new dimension of resource optimization absent in traditional fuel production. The environmental impact is profound, with a potential substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the transport sector, positioning this method as a sustainable alternative aligned with global environmental goals. Economically, it promises enhanced viability through improved resource utilization and efficiency, presenting a holistic solution that addresses both energy needs and environmental concerns, a significant leap forward from the limitations of traditional fossil fuel-based methods.</div></div>