Experimental, equilibrium modelling, and column design for the reactive separation of biomass-derived 2-furoic acid

Electrochemical conversion of biomass to value-added chemicals has gained impetus in recent years. Herein, we present a methodology for recovering biomass-derived 2-furoic acid from the dilute aqueous stream by reactive extraction. The reactive extraction was performed using a chemical extractant, trioctylamine (TOA), with diluents (octanol, chloroform, and diethyl ether). Equilibrium parameters influencing the recovery of 2-furoic acid were evaluated. Using TOA in various diluents, the 2-furoic acid was recovered with 85%-99% efficiency. A 1:1 complex of the 2-furoic acid-TOA was formed in the organic phase, and the experimental equilibrium complexation constant was compared with that obtained from the relative basicity and Langmuir models. The equilibrium parameters were used for column design to estimate the solvent to feed ratio (S/F) and the number of theoretical stages (NTS). The NTS required is 12 to attain 99% recovery of 2-furoic acid in counter-current extraction. The present study sheds light on the reactive extraction process adopted for process intensification with electrochemical conversion, paving the way for the commercialization of valuable products obtained from biomass.

Automated summary

Electrochemical conversion of biomass to value-added chemicals has gained momentum. A method for recovering biomass-derived 2-furoic acid from dilute aqueous stream using reactive extraction was presented. The use of trioctylamine (TOA) with diluents achieved 85%-99% recovery efficiency. The study provides insights into the reactive extraction process and paves the way for commercialization of valuable products from biomass.