Catalytic production of 1,4-pentanediol from corn stover

A novel strategy of large-scale 1,4-pentanediol (1,4-PDO) production derived from corn stover is presented based on catalytic conversion experiments. In this strategy, cellulose and hemicellulose of corn stover are catalytically converted to GVL by using corn stover derived GVL as a reaction solvent, and GVL as a reaction intermediate is then upgraded to 1,4-PDO. In the strategy, three possible designs consisting of conversion and separation subsystems are developed in terms of biomass residues as electricity or fuel sources (A: electricity source, B: electricity and fuel sources, and C: fuel source). The economic feasibility of the process designs was demonstrated taking into account the minimum selling price (MSP; US$/kg) of 1,4-PDO with a comparison with the petro-based process. Design C was the best MSP (US$ 1.25/kg) of those assessed because of its higher energy efficiency (69-82%) while meeting lower total annualized costs (4.7-6.5%) than Designs A and B.