Synergizing Bio- and (electro)-chemical conversion for advanced BiO-alkanes production from biOwaSTes (BioBOOST)

The transportation sector represents a significant and rapidly expanding energy consumer, and it stands out as one of the most difficult sectors in decarbonization. Although promising projections suggest a rapid proliferation of low-power electric vehicles, the decarbonization of heavy-duty vehicles (ships, long-haul trucks, and aviation) remains challenging.

A promising solution is to produce infrastructure-compatible advanced liquid biofuels (such as drop-in hydrocarbons with high energy density) through bio- and/or (electro)-chemical conversion technologies. Nonetheless, existing technologies present notable challenges: (1) biological conversion

is susceptible to environmental variables, leading to a diverse array of by-products and low carbon utilization; (2) (electro)-chemical efficiency is compromised by inactive surface-catalyzed reactions; (3) sustainability of the integrated process can be uncertain due to the intricate nature of biowastes and the resulting products.

The proposed two-year fellowship BioBOOST hosted in University of Liverpool aims to develop an innovative integrated system that produces advanced biofuels (liquid alkanes and green hydrogen) by combining the strength of bio- and (electro)-chemical conversion. BioBOOST will explore the conversion of biowastes to medium-chain carboxylic acids as the key biofuel/chemical. precursors by an intensified microbial fermentation process.

Subsequently, the platform carboxylic acids will be valorized to liquid bio-alkanes via the sustainable Kolbe electrolysis. By harnessing the synergistic potential of bio- and (electro)-chemical conversion, BioBOOST enables the concurrent separation and valorization of platform intermediates. This, in turn, paves the way to produce advanced biofuels in a circular bioeconomy.

The completion of research and training activities in BioBOOST will enhance the career prospects of the fellow and prepare the fellow as a prominent researcher in bioenergy field.