An international first! China has successfully achieved a leap from basic research to kiloton-level application of biomass ethylene glycol

What connection could there possibly be between crop straw and clothing? In the near future, thanks to a pioneering bio-catalytic conversion technology for producing ethylene glycol created by Chinese scientists, people could find themselves wearing clothes made from straw.

On October 17th, the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences held a press conference in Beijing to announce a major breakthrough. The team, led by Academician Zhang Tao and Researchers Zheng Mingyuan and Wang Aiqin, has invested 16 years in continuous research and collaboration with various enterprises to advance this technology. They recently completed a pilot project that successfully converted biomass into ethylene glycol on a ton-scale, marking a significant step from basic research to practical application.

The newly developed “ton-scale biomass catalytic conversion technology for producing ethylene glycol” received favorable evaluations from a committee organized by the China National Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association. The committee recognized this technology as a novel pathway for catalyzing the conversion of biomass sugars directly into ethylene glycol, achieving high selectivity and setting an international benchmark for innovation in the field.

Back in 2008, the team led by Zhang Tao made headlines by introducing a new reaction to catalyze the direct conversion of cellulose into ethylene glycol, laying the groundwork for bio-based production methods. Continuing their work, the team has made significant strides in catalyst development, reaction mechanisms, and industrial applications.

In 2019, the team began collaborating with Zhengzhou Zhongke Baiyi New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. on the pilot project, culminating in the completion of the world’s first ton-scale biomass catalytic conversion facility in Puyang, Henan, in early 2022. After successfully running the process for the first time that June, the project team has since upgraded the facility, achieving remarkable results with an approximately 80% selectivity for ethylene glycol and a product purity of 99.9%.

The operation data indicates that this new technology offers superior economic viability compared to existing pathways involving bioethanol and bio-based ethylene. Furthermore, the bioethanol produced has been certified to meet the quality standards for polyester applications, placing it on par with products derived from petroleum.

Ethylene glycol is a crucial chemical commodity, with global consumption exceeding 30 million tons annually, primarily serving industries such as polyester fiber production, automotive antifreezes, coatings, and pharmaceuticals. China stands as a major player in the production and consumption of ethylene glycol, using over 20 million tons annually. However, traditional production methods primarily rely on non-renewable petrochemical and coal sources, raising concerns about sustainability and carbon emissions, highlighting the urgent need for greener production technologies.

The Dalian Institute’s project team emphasizes that their novel technology uses biomass sugars, including straw, and involves advanced catalyst systems and efficient separation processes to produce ethylene glycol. The entire process is characterized by a short route, mild conditions, and high atomic economy, categorizing it within the realm of green, low-carbon, circular economy practices.

As an indispensable raw material for bio-based polyester materials, the prospects for bio-based ethylene glycol are immense. The technology has already garnered over 40 authorized invention patents and has seen its ethylene glycol products enter the market for producing bio-based polyester and bioplastics.

Industry experts believe that this ton-scale bio-catalytic conversion technology could play a pivotal role in upgrading the ethylene glycol supply chain, enhancing bio-based polyester production, and promoting greener chemical processes in China. This advancement holds significant importance for achieving China’s dual carbon goals and fostering sustainable economic development.