Development of a more energy-efficient production process for the conversion of hemicellulose to furfural [PENTO-UP]

The aim of this project is to examine several technologies for efficient industrial production of furfural from hemicellulose. Technologies are chosen based on promising prospects and results deducted from the literature.
GF Biochemicals is a leader in the production of luvenilic acid. Luvenilic acid is produced from hexose sugar via HMF as an intermediate. GF Biochemicals has a long-term goal to build a biorefinery where biomass would be fully valorized, and levulinic acid would also be produced from pentose-rich waste via the intermediates - furfural and furfuryl alcohol. Moreover, furfural is recognized as an essential platform chemical since it’s the only material for producing nearly all furan compounds.
Currently, 80 % of furfural is produced in a batch process technology known for a century. However, the process is capital, energy, and labor-intensive, and the furfural yield is low. Hence production is not efficient. Therefore, for a large biorefinery, it is crucial to integrate the process for continuous production of furfural that will be energy-efficient and with a high yield.
Understanding the kinetics and reaction mechanism of furfural formation and destruction under different conditions is very important to make furfural production more efficient and environmentally friendly. Different reaction mechanisms and kinetics of furfural formation and degradation routes are topics of great interest and discussion in academic circles. Hence, a reliable kinetic model is needed to determine optimal conditions to ensure efficient industrial furfural production.