Development of a Sustainable Solvent System for Green Extraction and Valorization of Biomass-Derived Lipids via Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) and Catalytic Upgrading (Optional alternative if single topic only, provide: Development of a Sustainable Solvent System for Green Extraction and Valorization of Biomass-Derived Lipids via Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) and Catalytic Upgrading)

Project Abstract

This study presents a novel, sustainable solvent framework for the green extraction and subsequent valorization of lipids derived from lignocellulosic biomass using deep eutectic solvents (DES) in combination with catalytic upgrading to fuels and value-added chemicals. The research investigates DES formulations tailored from naturally sourced hydrogen bond donors and acceptors to maximize lipid solubility, extraction efficiency, and selectivity while minimizing halogenated solvents and volatile organic compounds. A systematic screening of choline chloride-based DES, in conjunction with bio-based hydrogen bond donors such as glycerol, lactic acid, and urea, is performed to identify solvent systems with optimal viscosity, polarity, and recyclability. The extraction process is optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to evaluate parameters including temperature, DES-to-biomass ratio, water content, and agitation, aiming to minimize energy input while achieving high lipid recovery from multiple biomass feedstocks, including microalgae, macroalgae, and lignocellulosic residues. Following extraction, the lipids undergo catalytic upgrading in a heterogeneous catalytic reactor employing metal-supported catalysts (e.g., Ni, Ru, and Pd on affordable supports) under mild hydrogen pressure and in DES-compatible media to convert triglycerides and free fatty acids into drop-in biofuels (diesel and jet range) and value-added chemicals (olefins, alkenes, and platform chemicals). Process intensification strategies such as in-situ transesterification, reactive DES scavenging, and continuous flow operation are explored to enhance mass transfer and overall process throughput. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) accompany the experimental work to quantify climate impacts, energy balance, solvent recyclability, and process economics, with a particular emphasis on DES recovery efficiency and catalyst lifetime. The study also evaluates the environmental and safety profiles of DES systems through toxicological screening and compliance with green chemistry metrics (E-factor, atom economy, and process mass intensity). A multi-criteria optimization framework integrates extraction performance, catalyst activity, and sustainability indicators to propose a scalable, integrated biorefinery concept. Expected outcomes include (i) identification of DES formulations that enable high-yield lipid extraction from diverse biomass sources with low energy input; (ii) demonstration of efficient catalytic upgrading of extracted lipids to renewable fuels and platform chemicals within a DES-compatible process environment; (iii) a robust solvent-recovery protocol enabling multiple reuse cycles with negligible solvent loss; and (iv) a validated LCA/TEA supporting the environmental and economic viability of the proposed biorefinery approach. This work contributes to the advancement of green solvents for biomass valorization, addressing the need for sustainable, scalable approaches to convert abundant renewable lipids into high-value products while reducing reliance on conventional volatile organic solvents and harsh processing conditions.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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The project explores a greener way to extract and upgrade fats and oils from biomass using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES). DES are mixtures that dissolve fats more safely and with less waste than traditional solvents. The work then upgrades these lipids into useful products, such as biofuels or specialty chemicals, through simple catalytic processes.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Understand what DES are and how they help extract lipids from biomass.
2. Evaluate different DES formulations for efficiency and safety.
3. Demonstrate a catalytic upgrade step to convert extracted lipids into useful products.
4. Assess the environmental and economic benefits compared with conventional methods.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Review background literature on DES and lipid upgrading.
2. Prepare and test several DES mixtures with biomass samples.
3. Measure extraction efficiency, purity, and energy use.
4. Carry out a catalytic upgrading reaction on the extracted lipids and analyze products.
5. Compare results to traditional solvents and processes.

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Expected Outcome

Demonstration of a greener extraction method that uses DES and a simple upgrading step, with data showing environmental and cost benefits and potential pathways for scale-up.