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THE PRODUCTION OF BUTANOL FUEL FROM RENEWABLE SYSTEMS USING A MEMBRANE ASSISTED FERMENTATION SYSTEM | ||||
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Jamie A. Hestekin, Ph.D.
Robert E. Babcock, Ph.D.
R.B. Beitle, Ph.D.
July 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
The US imports over 60% of its crude oil on an annual basis. In order to obtain energy
independence, different biofuels, feedstocks, and technologies must be explored. Algae
is an exciting new feedstock because of its extremely fast growth rate, ability to grow
on marginal land, and high oil and sugar content. However, although much research has
been done on trying to convert algae oils into biodiesel, little has been done on
converting the sugars and starches into fuel oxygenates. In fact, there have been no
studies on converting these sugars and starches into butanol, one of the next generation
biofuels. Given that the sugar content can be estimated at over 15% by dry mass, this
is a very important area of research in the future. The group at the University of
Arkansas plans to take algae from an algal turf scrubber in Springdale, acid treat the
algae, perform high heat treatment to break up algae cells and convert starches into
fermentable sugars, ferment these sugars into butanol, and ultimately separate the butanol
from the fermentation broth. This first of its kind study will yield a more complete
understanding of the potential for algae to be used as fuel oxygenates in addition to
the already identified benefits of using algae to make biodiesel.
TRB Keywords: Butanol, algae, fuel oxygenates
Product: In Progress (MBTC DOT - 3018)
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