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A Winding Green Road to Sustainability
FOCUS ON C A T A L Y S T S A MONTHLY REPORT FROM ALAN E COMYNS MAY 2008 In this issue
A WINDING GREEN ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY
MARKETS AND BUSINESS
2
DOE investing in 4 biofuel projects
COMPANY NEWS
2-5
Biofuels are the flavour of the month
NEW PLANTS
5-6
First cellulose-to-ethanol plant for Canada
NEW TECHNOLOGY
6-7
Mesoporous silica to be commercialised Another PET catalyst
ENVIRONMENT
7
Catalytic process destroys N2O from caprolactam plant
PATENTS
AN INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER MONITORING TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF CATALYSTS ISSN 1351–4180
7-8
BOOKSHELF
8
EVENTS
8
Catalysis and Green and/or Sustainable Chemistry have been intertwined since at least 1998 when Paul Anastas published his “Twelve Principals of Green Chemistry” (1). Catalyst chemists were of course delighted that their subject was in at number 5: “Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents”, but there were plenty of relevant topics to interest other chemists. However, these definitions have always provoked much discussion, which may have been the author’s intention. They have also been quoted ad nauseam in grant proposals, often without any true understanding of their meaning. Particularly the requirement of number 9, to “Increase Energy Efficiency” by running reactions at ambient conditions, is often not achievable by these means. The principles have been updated several times but one version of particular note, ie “Twelve more green chemistry principles” (2), was published in 2001 by Neil Winterton. It is however obvious that catalysis has a key role to play in improving and reducing the impact of chemical processes on the environment. What was not stated in 1998 was that catalysis could also contribute to the economic and feedstock sustainability of the chemical industries which was often the main driver of industrial chemists. The author’s industrial experience over more than thirty five years in industrial catalysis was guided by the four R’s of process improvement and development:
Reduce by-products; Recycle by-products to complete utilisation; Re-use by-products as feedstock for other products; Replace process to reduce SHE impact (safety, health, environment) which are not incompatible with the principles of green chemistry but complementary to it. Just before the publication of the Green Chemistry Principles, in 1997 the American Chemical Society held a seminal workshop entitled “Technology Vision 2020: The US Chemical Industry”. This resulted in the publication of the “Catalyst Technology Roadmap Report” which was published in 1998 (3).This was a very interesting document which for the first time publicised long term targets for industry and academe. It was however focused on the needs of the United States. More recently in 2001 the Dutch had produced “Catalysis, key to sustainability” (4) which updated the US 2020 vision to a European and Dutch perspective. Several other studies have also been produced on particular sub-subjects or national perspectives. This could have resulted in significant confusion but for the fact each study has often based its comment on previous reports. Sufficient to say that CEFIC in discussion with the European Commission initiated Suschem: the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (5), whose vision is fully compatible with the
CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS
F O C US broad principles of Green Chemistry. Some people may think that there has been enough introspection and that now is the time for concerted and collaborative action – but wait and see. Much depends on you the reader! Guest Editorial from Dr Frank King, Consultant, Stokesley 1) P Anastas and J Warner, Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press, New York, 1998 2) “12 More green chemistry principles” Green Chemistry, Dec 2001, 3, G73–G75 3) Vision 2020, Catalysis Report, Mar 1998, published by The Council for Chemical Research 4) Catalysis, key to sustainability, Oct 2001, Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs 5) Sustainable Chemistry Strategic Research Agenda, CEFIC 2005
MARKETS AND BUSINESS DOE spends for biofuel projects The US Department of Energy will invest as much as $33.8 M until 2012 in four biofuel ventures with enzyme firms DSM, Genencor, Novozymes, and Verenium to cut the cost of enzymatic disintegration of cellulose into sugars prior to fermentation to ethanol. The four companies will match the Department’s funds. Chemical and Engineering News, 3 Mar 2008, 86 (9), 19 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org) & Chemistry and Industry (London), 10 Mar 2008, (5), 8 & Press release from: DSM NV, The Netherlands. Tel: +31(0) 45 5782864. Website: http://www.dsm.com (27 Feb 2008)
COMPANY NEWS All Fuels & Energy testing Super Enzyme for making ethanol All Fuels & Energy (AFSE) says the Super Enzyme could reduce ethanol production cost to less than $1/gallon if proven successful in its upcoming trials. New plant construction cost could potentially be reduced by nearly 30% using the new Super Enzyme technology. This would apply to AFSE’s current Iowa plant development which would equate to about $60 M in savings out of the expected costs of $200 M to build. All
2
O N
C ATA LY S T S
Fuels & Energy Co is a developmentstage ethanol company organized to operate as an ethanol producer, focusing primarily on the production and sale of ethanol and its co-products. Press release from: All Fuels & Energy, 6165 NW 86th Street, Johnston, Iowa 50131, USA. Website: http://www.allfuelsandenergy.com (8 Apr 2008)
Chevron, Weyerhaeuser in biofuels jv Chevron has joined papermaker Weyerhaeuser in a jv, Catchlight Energy, aimed at making transport fuels from cellulose from biomass. Chemical and Engineering News, 10 Mar 2008, 86 (10), 30
Clariant launches nanoparticulate zeolite Clariant is focusing its nanotech activities on the production and application of a range of nanoporous zeolites with exceptional physical properties. It has developed a process making high-quality nanozeolites in industrial quantities. The new range of nanoscale aluminosilicates (called Lucidot) opens up a new spectrum of possibilities for biochem processes, including molecular sieves, ion exchangers, selective adsorbents, and catalysis. Chemie Technik (Heidelberg), 27 Mar 2008 (Website: http://www/chemietechnik.de) (in German) & Chemische Rundschau, 17 Mar 2008, (3), 72 (in German)
Clean Diesel Technologies reports full year and 4Q 2007 results Clean Diesel Technologies Inc announced financial results for the year and 4Q ended Dec 2007. Total revenue was $4.9 M in 2007 ($1.1 M in 2006), an increase of 339%, reflecting increases in product sales and technology licensing fees and royalties. Technology licence fees and royalties were $3.459 M in 2007 ($74,000 in 2006), and were primarily attributable to the licence fees and royalties from new and amended licences. Product sales were $1.466 M in 2007 ($860,000 in 2006), an increase of 70.5%. Total revenue for 4Q 2007 was $1 M (+326% over $236,000 in 4Q 2006). The increase in 4Q 2007 revenue is primarily due to higher product sales for the London LEZ. Net loss for 4Q 2007 was about
$2.9 M or $0.38/share (net loss of $1.5 M or $0.30/share in 4Q 2006). R&D expenses were $136,000 during 4Q 2007 ($63,000 in 4Q 2006) and $428,000 during 2007 ($510,000 in 2006). Clean Diesel Technologies Inc is a cleantech company that provides innovative solutions to reduce harmful engine emissions and conserve energy. Products include Platinum Plus fuel-borne catalysts, Purifier particulate filter systems, the ARIS urea injection systems for selective catalytic reduction of NOx, a diesel particulate filter, and biofuel formulation technologies. Clean Diesel Technologies 4Q and 2007 financials, 18 Mar 2008 (Clean Diesel Technologies Inc, 300, Atlantic Street, Suite 702, Stamford, CT 06901, USA. Tel: +1 203 327 7050. Fax: +1 203 323 0461. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.cdti.com)
Coskata makes ethanol from garbage and used tyres Coskata, a renewable energy technology firm based in Warrenville, IL, has developed a technology for producing ethanol from any type of renewable source, including household garbage, plant waste, and used tyres. The firm expects to launch a commercial product from the process for under $1/gallon by 2011. The Coskata technology is claimed to feature a number of advantages over conventional corn-based ethanol processes, including higher energy efficiency. The company’s proprietary process produces 7.7 times more energy than it uses up and consumes around 1 gallon of water per gallon of ethanol. Corn-based ethanol production, on the other hand, generates just 1.3 times more energy than it consumes and requires about 3-4 gallons of water for the production of one gallon of ethanol. Coskata forged two separate deals in early 2008 that will advance commercialization of this process. In Jan 2008, Coskata and General Motors (GM) reached an agreement to work together in areas, including waste and emission management, global applications of Coskata’s process, and fuel testing. Under the terms of the deal, Coskata will supply GM the first ethanol produced at its planned 40,000 gallon/y demonstration plant, which is slated to come onstream in 4Q 2008. The ethanol will be tested by GM in its
MAY 2008
A WINDING GREEN ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY
MARKETS AND BUSINESS
2
DOE investing in 4 biofuel projects
COMPANY NEWS
2-5
Biofuels are the flavour of the month
NEW PLANTS
5-6
First cellulose-to-ethanol plant for Canada
NEW TECHNOLOGY
6-7
Mesoporous silica to be commercialised Another PET catalyst
ENVIRONMENT
7
Catalytic process destroys N2O from caprolactam plant
PATENTS
AN INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER MONITORING TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF CATALYSTS ISSN 1351–4180
7-8
BOOKSHELF
8
EVENTS
8
Catalysis and Green and/or Sustainable Chemistry have been intertwined since at least 1998 when Paul Anastas published his “Twelve Principals of Green Chemistry” (1). Catalyst chemists were of course delighted that their subject was in at number 5: “Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents”, but there were plenty of relevant topics to interest other chemists. However, these definitions have always provoked much discussion, which may have been the author’s intention. They have also been quoted ad nauseam in grant proposals, often without any true understanding of their meaning. Particularly the requirement of number 9, to “Increase Energy Efficiency” by running reactions at ambient conditions, is often not achievable by these means. The principles have been updated several times but one version of particular note, ie “Twelve more green chemistry principles” (2), was published in 2001 by Neil Winterton. It is however obvious that catalysis has a key role to play in improving and reducing the impact of chemical processes on the environment. What was not stated in 1998 was that catalysis could also contribute to the economic and feedstock sustainability of the chemical industries which was often the main driver of industrial chemists. The author’s industrial experience over more than thirty five years in industrial catalysis was guided by the four R’s of process improvement and development:
Reduce by-products; Recycle by-products to complete utilisation; Re-use by-products as feedstock for other products; Replace process to reduce SHE impact (safety, health, environment) which are not incompatible with the principles of green chemistry but complementary to it. Just before the publication of the Green Chemistry Principles, in 1997 the American Chemical Society held a seminal workshop entitled “Technology Vision 2020: The US Chemical Industry”. This resulted in the publication of the “Catalyst Technology Roadmap Report” which was published in 1998 (3).This was a very interesting document which for the first time publicised long term targets for industry and academe. It was however focused on the needs of the United States. More recently in 2001 the Dutch had produced “Catalysis, key to sustainability” (4) which updated the US 2020 vision to a European and Dutch perspective. Several other studies have also been produced on particular sub-subjects or national perspectives. This could have resulted in significant confusion but for the fact each study has often based its comment on previous reports. Sufficient to say that CEFIC in discussion with the European Commission initiated Suschem: the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (5), whose vision is fully compatible with the
CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS CATALYSTS
F O C US broad principles of Green Chemistry. Some people may think that there has been enough introspection and that now is the time for concerted and collaborative action – but wait and see. Much depends on you the reader! Guest Editorial from Dr Frank King, Consultant, Stokesley 1) P Anastas and J Warner, Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press, New York, 1998 2) “12 More green chemistry principles” Green Chemistry, Dec 2001, 3, G73–G75 3) Vision 2020, Catalysis Report, Mar 1998, published by The Council for Chemical Research 4) Catalysis, key to sustainability, Oct 2001, Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs 5) Sustainable Chemistry Strategic Research Agenda, CEFIC 2005
MARKETS AND BUSINESS DOE spends for biofuel projects The US Department of Energy will invest as much as $33.8 M until 2012 in four biofuel ventures with enzyme firms DSM, Genencor, Novozymes, and Verenium to cut the cost of enzymatic disintegration of cellulose into sugars prior to fermentation to ethanol. The four companies will match the Department’s funds. Chemical and Engineering News, 3 Mar 2008, 86 (9), 19 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org) & Chemistry and Industry (London), 10 Mar 2008, (5), 8 & Press release from: DSM NV, The Netherlands. Tel: +31(0) 45 5782864. Website: http://www.dsm.com (27 Feb 2008)
COMPANY NEWS All Fuels & Energy testing Super Enzyme for making ethanol All Fuels & Energy (AFSE) says the Super Enzyme could reduce ethanol production cost to less than $1/gallon if proven successful in its upcoming trials. New plant construction cost could potentially be reduced by nearly 30% using the new Super Enzyme technology. This would apply to AFSE’s current Iowa plant development which would equate to about $60 M in savings out of the expected costs of $200 M to build. All
2
O N
C ATA LY S T S
Fuels & Energy Co is a developmentstage ethanol company organized to operate as an ethanol producer, focusing primarily on the production and sale of ethanol and its co-products. Press release from: All Fuels & Energy, 6165 NW 86th Street, Johnston, Iowa 50131, USA. Website: http://www.allfuelsandenergy.com (8 Apr 2008)
Chevron, Weyerhaeuser in biofuels jv Chevron has joined papermaker Weyerhaeuser in a jv, Catchlight Energy, aimed at making transport fuels from cellulose from biomass. Chemical and Engineering News, 10 Mar 2008, 86 (10), 30
Clariant launches nanoparticulate zeolite Clariant is focusing its nanotech activities on the production and application of a range of nanoporous zeolites with exceptional physical properties. It has developed a process making high-quality nanozeolites in industrial quantities. The new range of nanoscale aluminosilicates (called Lucidot) opens up a new spectrum of possibilities for biochem processes, including molecular sieves, ion exchangers, selective adsorbents, and catalysis. Chemie Technik (Heidelberg), 27 Mar 2008 (Website: http://www/chemietechnik.de) (in German) & Chemische Rundschau, 17 Mar 2008, (3), 72 (in German)
Clean Diesel Technologies reports full year and 4Q 2007 results Clean Diesel Technologies Inc announced financial results for the year and 4Q ended Dec 2007. Total revenue was $4.9 M in 2007 ($1.1 M in 2006), an increase of 339%, reflecting increases in product sales and technology licensing fees and royalties. Technology licence fees and royalties were $3.459 M in 2007 ($74,000 in 2006), and were primarily attributable to the licence fees and royalties from new and amended licences. Product sales were $1.466 M in 2007 ($860,000 in 2006), an increase of 70.5%. Total revenue for 4Q 2007 was $1 M (+326% over $236,000 in 4Q 2006). The increase in 4Q 2007 revenue is primarily due to higher product sales for the London LEZ. Net loss for 4Q 2007 was about
$2.9 M or $0.38/share (net loss of $1.5 M or $0.30/share in 4Q 2006). R&D expenses were $136,000 during 4Q 2007 ($63,000 in 4Q 2006) and $428,000 during 2007 ($510,000 in 2006). Clean Diesel Technologies Inc is a cleantech company that provides innovative solutions to reduce harmful engine emissions and conserve energy. Products include Platinum Plus fuel-borne catalysts, Purifier particulate filter systems, the ARIS urea injection systems for selective catalytic reduction of NOx, a diesel particulate filter, and biofuel formulation technologies. Clean Diesel Technologies 4Q and 2007 financials, 18 Mar 2008 (Clean Diesel Technologies Inc, 300, Atlantic Street, Suite 702, Stamford, CT 06901, USA. Tel: +1 203 327 7050. Fax: +1 203 323 0461. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.cdti.com)
Coskata makes ethanol from garbage and used tyres Coskata, a renewable energy technology firm based in Warrenville, IL, has developed a technology for producing ethanol from any type of renewable source, including household garbage, plant waste, and used tyres. The firm expects to launch a commercial product from the process for under $1/gallon by 2011. The Coskata technology is claimed to feature a number of advantages over conventional corn-based ethanol processes, including higher energy efficiency. The company’s proprietary process produces 7.7 times more energy than it uses up and consumes around 1 gallon of water per gallon of ethanol. Corn-based ethanol production, on the other hand, generates just 1.3 times more energy than it consumes and requires about 3-4 gallons of water for the production of one gallon of ethanol. Coskata forged two separate deals in early 2008 that will advance commercialization of this process. In Jan 2008, Coskata and General Motors (GM) reached an agreement to work together in areas, including waste and emission management, global applications of Coskata’s process, and fuel testing. Under the terms of the deal, Coskata will supply GM the first ethanol produced at its planned 40,000 gallon/y demonstration plant, which is slated to come onstream in 4Q 2008. The ethanol will be tested by GM in its
MAY 2008