Chemistry from biomass
The work carried out by IFP Energies nouvelles involves transforming biomass into bio-sourced chemicals. This calls for replacing fossil raw materials with biomass.
In particular, this requires developing catalysts that are adapted to biomass processing.
Two main goals have become apparent:
- substituting petrochemical intermediates: ethylene, propylene, butene, etc.
- producing new intermediates: lactic, succinic, levulinic acids, etc.
Chemical, catalytic and biological technologies are all being explored to reach these objectives. In particular, this requires developing processes, catalysts and biocatalysts that are adapted to biomass processing.
In 2010, research into heterogeneous catalysis in an aqueous phase demonstrated the possibility of converting cellulose into monomers for renewable plastics.
