BASF and LanzaTech develop a process to transform industrial off-gases into n-octanol

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Type of post: NEWS.

BASF and LanzaTech have partnered to transform the carbon contained in industrial off-gases into valuable chemicals. With the help of special bacteria, they have been able to produce n-octanol at laboratory scale from carbon monoxide and hydrogen, main components of the emissions of some industries. This innovative carbon recycling approach thereby reduces CO2 emissions from the industrial site and keeps fossil resources in the ground.

Figure 1. BASF and LanzaTech develop a process to transform industrial off-gases into n-octanol

In this collaboration, LanzaTech contributes its innovative gas fermentation technology, while BASF provides its expertise in the development and operation of chemical processes. The two companies are working on a process using a biological capability developed by Dr. Ramon Gonzalez, currently a Professor at the University of South Florida, that will allow the carbon in the off-gas to be utilized as a raw material for the production of chemical products like n-octanol.

Within just a few months, the companies have not only developed a suitable strain of bacteria to produce this alcohol, but they have also designed an innovative process concept to allow continuous product generation and purification. As a next step, the teams will focus on optimizing the biology and technology design to deliver an efficient production process. One advantage of this process is that the microorganisms are not particular about the composition of the exhaust gas, as they are able to utilize varying ratios of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The microorganisms are also tolerant to many different impurities, so there is no need for complex steps to purify the exhaust gas.

LanzaTech’s technology is already deployed at commercial scale transforming exhaust gas from steel production into ethanol. This partnership has now paved the way to produce high value chemicals. The technology can also recycle household or agricultural waste. By transforming these materials into a gas stream via controlled partial oxidation, the carbon and hydrogen contained in these gases can be fixed into chemical products via the same gas fermentation process, instead of being released into the environment.

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