Biomass Conversion
What We Do
KSE is developing specialized catalysts and reaction systems to improve the selectivity and activity of biomass conversion technologies to achieve economic production of renewable fuels and chemicals. These novel catalysts and reaction systems are specifically designed for the large amounts of water and substantial molecular oxygen typical of biomass.
The Application
KSE has a variety of new technology concepts that utilize biomass feedstocks to produce commodity chemicals. This includes new ways to convert glycerol, fructose, glucose and furfural derived from biomass, into acrylic acid, adipic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), and tetrahydrofuran (THF). All valuable chemicals that are currently being produced from petroleum, and could replace their petroleum based counter parts.
Why It Matters
Development of commercially competitive biomass based technologies will reduce consumption of scarce hydrocarbon resources, and improve long term U.S. competitiveness in global markets. As global population rises and petroleum sources deplete, advanced biomass conversion technologies will become increasingly more important. The technologies that KSE is developing will be an integral part of the renewable energy sources and sustainable manufacturing practices required for the future.