- Email: [email protected]
A Brighter Shade of Green
FOCUS ON C A T A L Y S T S A MONTHLY REPORT FROM ALAN E COMYNS APRIL 2008
A BRIGHTER SHADE OF GREEN
In this issue
MARKETS AND BUSINESS
2-3
Super bugs may save bio-fuels DOE invests in four projects for cost-effective enzymes Nanostructured materials for energy, catalysis and structural applications
COMPANY NEWS
3-5
Cargill joins Novozymes DSM leads US consortium for cellulytic enzymes
NEW PLANTS
5-6
Albemarle to expand speciality polymer catalyst capacity BASF expands automotive catalyst capacity
NEW TECHNOLOGY
AN INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER MONITORING TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF CATALYSTS ISSN 1351–4180
6-7
NC State, partners get grant to make low-cost fuels Japan striving for international standards for visible-light photocatalysts
PATENTS
7
BOOKSHELF
7
EVENTS
8
The recent announcement from Shell1 that, in association with the Hawaiian company HR Biopetroleum, it is to build a pilot plant in Hawaii for developing a process for making biodiesel from marine algae reopens the question of the wisdom of using marine resources in solving today’s energy problems. Shell’s jv is named Cellana and it is working with the universities of Hawaii, Southern Mississippi, and Dalhousie. Chevron Technology Ventures is working on a similar project with startup company Solazyme in South San Francisco and it has already demonstrated its algae-derived biodiesel (“Soladiesel™”) at the Sundance Film Festival2. Chevron is working on a related project with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, aimed at developing jet fuel and other fuels from algae3. There are many factors to be considered here, in addition to the engineering and the economics. The general idea of making fuels from algae was explored in the USA between 1978 and 1996 under the ‘Aquatic Species Program’ of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. However, since all the potential products would then have been more expensive than similar products derived from petroleum, the project was abandoned. Now that the cost of petroleum has risen, the project is being revived in the private sector. Many small companies are now pursuing their own versions of bioreactors; twenty such companies are listed on the PESWiki website. Some systems use open ponds, others use closed reactors.
The usual aim is to grow algae which secrete lipids which can be transesterified to methyl esters which can be used as diesel fuels. Alternatively, the lipids can be catalytically hydrogenated to produce more conventional diesel hydrocarbons. Uses need to be found for the glycerol by-product, a popular research topic. Solvay’s Epicerol process, which makes epichlorohydrin from glycerol from rapeseed oil, is soon to be commercialised in Thailand4. Another co-product from the future algal industry will be animal feed, which will complicate the “food versus fuel” debate. Once the large scale cultivation of algae for making biodiesel has become an established technology it should be possible for similar systems to be used for making speciality organic chemicals using genetically modified algae. The oil industry does not need GM algae because natural algae are so efficient in making lipids. The speciality organic chemicals industry may need a few mutations to make particular chemicals; it is already using GM enzymes for making lactic acid from starch5. Environmentalists will be concerned over the possibility of accidental releases of algal cultures into the sea, and of genetically modified algae into the environment generally. We live in interesting times. Alan E. Comyns 1) Press releases from: Shell International Media Relations, Tel: +44 (0)20 7934 2713, and from: HR Biopetroleum Media Agent, Tel: +1 808 285 0332 (11 Dec 2007)
CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS
F O C US 2) 3) 4) 5)
Press release from: Solazyme and Chevron, Tel: +1 415 438 9821 (22 Jan 2008) Chemical Week, 25 Feb 2008, 170 (6), 25 Chemical Week, 18 Feb 2008, 170 (5), 17 Catalysis Communications, 31 Mar 2008, 9 (6), 1050
MARKETS AND BUSINESS Super bugs may save bio-fuels Companies across the USA researching next-generation biofuel production are putting their hopes on microbial superbugs, which are common microbes that have been genetically modified to do a specific job, such as splitting cellulose, extracting its sugars, and fermenting the sugar into ethanol. The steps involved in the conversion process are trimmed down and efficiency is increased by altering the genetic makeup of microbes and turning them into superbugs. DOE’s support of the cellulosic ethanol approach is welcome news to companies that are pursuing cellulosic-based biofuels. Coskata produces ethanol from cellulose-derived material using patented microbes, bioreactor designs, and a novel 3-step method as part of an effort to reduce production costs to less than $1/gallon as early as 2010. SunEthanol is teaming up with ICM to construct a pilot facility, due to be operational by 2009. Mascoma, which has developed novel enzymes and genetically altered bacteria to produce cellulosic ethanol from materials such as wood chips, plans to build pilot plants in New York and in Tennessee, and a major commercial plant in Michigan, as part of its initiative to move from microbes to superbugs. Emerging Tech Report (Forbes/Wolfe), Feb 2008, 7 (2), 1-3 (Website: http://forbesnewsletters.com)
DOE invests in four projects for costeffective enzymes In another sign of the promise that biofuels hold for the future, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced four projects that will significantly move forward R&D on advanced enzymes necessary for producing cost-effective cellulosic biofuels. Four projects by members of
2
O N
C ATA LY S T S
the Biotechnology Industry Organization received DOE matching grants totalling $33.8 M to develop cost-efficient enzymes for cellulosic biofuel production by 2012. These enzymes will be instrumental in fulfilling the renewable fuel standard put forward in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Press release from: US Department of Energy. Tel: +1 202 586 5806. Website: http://home.doe.gov (27 Feb 2008) & Dagbladet Borsen, 28 Feb 2008 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Nanostructured materials for energy, catalysis and structural applications (NAN017E) The global market for nanoparticles used in energy, catalytic, and structural applications increased from $322.9 M in 2006 to an estimated $364.9 M in 2007. It should reach $1.3 bn by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.8%. This report contains descriptions of various types of nanoparticles used as, or to produce, automotive catalysts, ceramic membranes, fuel cells, photocatalysts, propellants and explosives, scratchresistant coatings, structural ceramics, and thermal spray coatings, among other applications. The current market status for nanoparticles, trends, and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years, is discussed and an overview of the major technologies used in producing nanostructured particles, as well as dispersion, coating, compaction, and self-assembly technologies is given. There is an analysis of nanomaterials-related patents issued during the past 2 years. Profiles of major and minor companies working with nanoparticles are included. Catalytic applications have the largest share of the market but are expected to drop to 26.6% of the total market by 2012. Energy applications should grow from 15% of the total market in 2006 to 45% by 2012. $4250. Business Communications Co, Inc, 40 Washington St, Suite 110, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA. Tel: +1 781 489 7304. Fax: 781 489 7308. Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.bccresearch.com (Dec 2007)
Enzymes for industrial applications (BIO030E) The global market for industrial enzymes increased from $2.2 bn in
2006 to an estimated $2.3 bn by the end of 2007. It should reach $2.7 bn by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. This report contains descriptions of various technical enzyme applications including detergent, textile, pulp and paper, leather, and miscellaneous chemicals; also, food applications including confectionery and sweeteners, dairy, fruit and vegetable processing, and animal feed. The current market status of enzymes, trends, and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years is discussed and an analysis of the enzymes industry on a worldwide basis, both from a marketing and application perspective is given. Discussion of emerging technologies with a thorough patent analysis is detailed together with information about major players and their contributions to the enzymes industry. The greatest growth rate is expected to be in the animal enzymes sector, with a CAGR of 6% between 2007 and 2012, helped in large part by the increased use of phytase enzymes to fight phosphate pollution. New and emerging applications have helped drive demand for enzymes, and the industry is responding with a continuous stream of innovative products. $4250. Business Communications Co, Inc, 40 Washington St, Suite 110, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA. Tel: +1 781 489 7304. Fax: 781 489 7308. Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.bccresearch.com (Jan 2008)
Environmental markets for biotechnology (BIO019B) The US market for environmental biotechnology products for waste treatment will increase from $166.8 M in 2007 to an estimated $180.3 M by the end of 2008. It should reach $261.3 M by 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. This report contains descriptions of various types of environmental biotechnology products for waste treatment including microbial blends, nutrients, enzymes, and microbes. The current market status of environmental biotechnology products for the waste treatment industry is discussed, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years. There is an analysis of the environmental biotechnology industry on a worldwide basis, both from a
APRIL 2008
A BRIGHTER SHADE OF GREEN
In this issue
MARKETS AND BUSINESS
2-3
Super bugs may save bio-fuels DOE invests in four projects for cost-effective enzymes Nanostructured materials for energy, catalysis and structural applications
COMPANY NEWS
3-5
Cargill joins Novozymes DSM leads US consortium for cellulytic enzymes
NEW PLANTS
5-6
Albemarle to expand speciality polymer catalyst capacity BASF expands automotive catalyst capacity
NEW TECHNOLOGY
AN INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER MONITORING TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF CATALYSTS ISSN 1351–4180
6-7
NC State, partners get grant to make low-cost fuels Japan striving for international standards for visible-light photocatalysts
PATENTS
7
BOOKSHELF
7
EVENTS
8
The recent announcement from Shell1 that, in association with the Hawaiian company HR Biopetroleum, it is to build a pilot plant in Hawaii for developing a process for making biodiesel from marine algae reopens the question of the wisdom of using marine resources in solving today’s energy problems. Shell’s jv is named Cellana and it is working with the universities of Hawaii, Southern Mississippi, and Dalhousie. Chevron Technology Ventures is working on a similar project with startup company Solazyme in South San Francisco and it has already demonstrated its algae-derived biodiesel (“Soladiesel™”) at the Sundance Film Festival2. Chevron is working on a related project with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, aimed at developing jet fuel and other fuels from algae3. There are many factors to be considered here, in addition to the engineering and the economics. The general idea of making fuels from algae was explored in the USA between 1978 and 1996 under the ‘Aquatic Species Program’ of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. However, since all the potential products would then have been more expensive than similar products derived from petroleum, the project was abandoned. Now that the cost of petroleum has risen, the project is being revived in the private sector. Many small companies are now pursuing their own versions of bioreactors; twenty such companies are listed on the PESWiki website. Some systems use open ponds, others use closed reactors.
The usual aim is to grow algae which secrete lipids which can be transesterified to methyl esters which can be used as diesel fuels. Alternatively, the lipids can be catalytically hydrogenated to produce more conventional diesel hydrocarbons. Uses need to be found for the glycerol by-product, a popular research topic. Solvay’s Epicerol process, which makes epichlorohydrin from glycerol from rapeseed oil, is soon to be commercialised in Thailand4. Another co-product from the future algal industry will be animal feed, which will complicate the “food versus fuel” debate. Once the large scale cultivation of algae for making biodiesel has become an established technology it should be possible for similar systems to be used for making speciality organic chemicals using genetically modified algae. The oil industry does not need GM algae because natural algae are so efficient in making lipids. The speciality organic chemicals industry may need a few mutations to make particular chemicals; it is already using GM enzymes for making lactic acid from starch5. Environmentalists will be concerned over the possibility of accidental releases of algal cultures into the sea, and of genetically modified algae into the environment generally. We live in interesting times. Alan E. Comyns 1) Press releases from: Shell International Media Relations, Tel: +44 (0)20 7934 2713, and from: HR Biopetroleum Media Agent, Tel: +1 808 285 0332 (11 Dec 2007)
CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS
F O C US 2) 3) 4) 5)
Press release from: Solazyme and Chevron, Tel: +1 415 438 9821 (22 Jan 2008) Chemical Week, 25 Feb 2008, 170 (6), 25 Chemical Week, 18 Feb 2008, 170 (5), 17 Catalysis Communications, 31 Mar 2008, 9 (6), 1050
MARKETS AND BUSINESS Super bugs may save bio-fuels Companies across the USA researching next-generation biofuel production are putting their hopes on microbial superbugs, which are common microbes that have been genetically modified to do a specific job, such as splitting cellulose, extracting its sugars, and fermenting the sugar into ethanol. The steps involved in the conversion process are trimmed down and efficiency is increased by altering the genetic makeup of microbes and turning them into superbugs. DOE’s support of the cellulosic ethanol approach is welcome news to companies that are pursuing cellulosic-based biofuels. Coskata produces ethanol from cellulose-derived material using patented microbes, bioreactor designs, and a novel 3-step method as part of an effort to reduce production costs to less than $1/gallon as early as 2010. SunEthanol is teaming up with ICM to construct a pilot facility, due to be operational by 2009. Mascoma, which has developed novel enzymes and genetically altered bacteria to produce cellulosic ethanol from materials such as wood chips, plans to build pilot plants in New York and in Tennessee, and a major commercial plant in Michigan, as part of its initiative to move from microbes to superbugs. Emerging Tech Report (Forbes/Wolfe), Feb 2008, 7 (2), 1-3 (Website: http://forbesnewsletters.com)
DOE invests in four projects for costeffective enzymes In another sign of the promise that biofuels hold for the future, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced four projects that will significantly move forward R&D on advanced enzymes necessary for producing cost-effective cellulosic biofuels. Four projects by members of
2
O N
C ATA LY S T S
the Biotechnology Industry Organization received DOE matching grants totalling $33.8 M to develop cost-efficient enzymes for cellulosic biofuel production by 2012. These enzymes will be instrumental in fulfilling the renewable fuel standard put forward in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Press release from: US Department of Energy. Tel: +1 202 586 5806. Website: http://home.doe.gov (27 Feb 2008) & Dagbladet Borsen, 28 Feb 2008 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Nanostructured materials for energy, catalysis and structural applications (NAN017E) The global market for nanoparticles used in energy, catalytic, and structural applications increased from $322.9 M in 2006 to an estimated $364.9 M in 2007. It should reach $1.3 bn by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.8%. This report contains descriptions of various types of nanoparticles used as, or to produce, automotive catalysts, ceramic membranes, fuel cells, photocatalysts, propellants and explosives, scratchresistant coatings, structural ceramics, and thermal spray coatings, among other applications. The current market status for nanoparticles, trends, and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years, is discussed and an overview of the major technologies used in producing nanostructured particles, as well as dispersion, coating, compaction, and self-assembly technologies is given. There is an analysis of nanomaterials-related patents issued during the past 2 years. Profiles of major and minor companies working with nanoparticles are included. Catalytic applications have the largest share of the market but are expected to drop to 26.6% of the total market by 2012. Energy applications should grow from 15% of the total market in 2006 to 45% by 2012. $4250. Business Communications Co, Inc, 40 Washington St, Suite 110, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA. Tel: +1 781 489 7304. Fax: 781 489 7308. Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.bccresearch.com (Dec 2007)
Enzymes for industrial applications (BIO030E) The global market for industrial enzymes increased from $2.2 bn in
2006 to an estimated $2.3 bn by the end of 2007. It should reach $2.7 bn by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. This report contains descriptions of various technical enzyme applications including detergent, textile, pulp and paper, leather, and miscellaneous chemicals; also, food applications including confectionery and sweeteners, dairy, fruit and vegetable processing, and animal feed. The current market status of enzymes, trends, and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years is discussed and an analysis of the enzymes industry on a worldwide basis, both from a marketing and application perspective is given. Discussion of emerging technologies with a thorough patent analysis is detailed together with information about major players and their contributions to the enzymes industry. The greatest growth rate is expected to be in the animal enzymes sector, with a CAGR of 6% between 2007 and 2012, helped in large part by the increased use of phytase enzymes to fight phosphate pollution. New and emerging applications have helped drive demand for enzymes, and the industry is responding with a continuous stream of innovative products. $4250. Business Communications Co, Inc, 40 Washington St, Suite 110, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA. Tel: +1 781 489 7304. Fax: 781 489 7308. Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.bccresearch.com (Jan 2008)
Environmental markets for biotechnology (BIO019B) The US market for environmental biotechnology products for waste treatment will increase from $166.8 M in 2007 to an estimated $180.3 M by the end of 2008. It should reach $261.3 M by 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. This report contains descriptions of various types of environmental biotechnology products for waste treatment including microbial blends, nutrients, enzymes, and microbes. The current market status of environmental biotechnology products for the waste treatment industry is discussed, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years. There is an analysis of the environmental biotechnology industry on a worldwide basis, both from a
APRIL 2008