Syntec Biofuel to develop thermo-chemical catalysts to produce butanol, propanol; targets higher-price fuels

In Canada, Syntec Biofuel announced the launch of a $2.5 million R&D program to develop new catalysts for producing biobutanol and biopropanol from biomass. The 3-year program will run in parallel with existing R&D and will be supported by strategic partners that Syntec will be seeking. The company has previously developed catalysts to convert biomass and municipal solid waste into ethanol, methanol and higher order alcohols. The company has said that it is achieving yields as high as 110 gallons per ton of biomass, which is the highest claimed by any team currently pursuing theermo-chemical conversion. Butanol and propanol sell for more than $5 per gallon in the solvent and chemical intermediate markets, which make for attractive economics.

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