SBIR-STTR Award

Complex mixtures encountered in biomass derived process streams include components which can inhibit fermentation. This can have a negative impact on the production capacity of the biorefinery as it can greatly decrease the output from the conversion of the biomass derived sugars to fuels and chemicals. Removing these inhibitors is a challenging process separations problem due to the chemical complexity of the mixtures, the extremely low pH, and the high temperature. Cerahelix is developing a nanofiltration membrane, the helix Ti-NFM that can separate complex mixtures at low pH and high temperatures. The unique nanoscale features of this product enable it to perform faster, use less energy, and require little to no manipulation of the solution chemistry as compared to competing technologies. Commercial Applications and Other

Benefits:
The benefits of the helix Ti-NFM are that it is a clean technology, it promotes renewable energy, and it reduces the production of greenhouse gases. Because it is made from a chemically resistant material, it can operate at extremes of pH and temperature, and it has the potential to be self-cleaning. This product can be applied to a range of industries beyond biofuels including industrial water recycling and re-use, as well as produced water purification.

Sustainable global economic growth requires the diversification of energy sources and chemical feedstocks away from conventional fossil fuel supplies. One way to meet this need is to convert renewable resources such as cellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals; however a major roadblock is the high processing cost. What are needed are technologies that can provide energy and cost saving alternatives for processing biomass. How problem being addressed: Development of a nanofiltration ceramic membrane that can separate complex mixtures at low pH and high temperatures. The unique nanoscale features of this product enable it to provide significantly faster separation processing and higher yields under harsh process conditions, while requiring less energy and capital expense compared to conventional technologies. During Phase I we demonstrated the feasibility of creating a ceramic membrane with sub- nanometer pores using a patented method that provides straight, continuous pores for fast transport. In Phase II the nanofiltration ceramic membrane will be further optimized. A prototype will be produced and tested at both lab scale and commercial scale. Applications of the technology of high value to commercial biorefineries will be identified by close collaboration with several key decision makers in the industry including commercial partners, national labs and research universities. Commercial Applications and Other

Benefits:
The benefits of this technology innovation are it is a clean technology, promotes energy and products from renewable resources, and reduces the production of greenhouse gases. It will contribute significant energy savings to the production of alternative fuels from renewable resources, thus making renewables more cost competitive and reducing dependence on fossil fuels