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Effect of Fermentation Broths on Performance of Hydrophobic Zeolite-Silicone Rubber Mixed Matrix Pervaporation Membranes
Citation:
VANE, L. M., V. V. NAMBOODIRI, AND R. MEIER. Effect of Fermentation Broths on Performance of Hydrophobic Zeolite-Silicone Rubber Mixed Matrix Pervaporation Membranes. Presented at North American Membrane Society, Washington, DC, July 17 - 22, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform EPA.
Description:
Fermentative organisms produce a range of compounds in addition to the desired product. For example, in addition to ethanol, standard yeast produce longer straight-chained and branched alcohols and organic acids. Additionally, biomass pretreatment process, particularly acid-based treatments, can introduce organic acids into the sugar feed stream to the fermentor. Carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid and succinic acid, are commonly encountered in the conversion of biomass to ethanol and other biofuels. Pervaporation using mixed matrix membranes has proven to be a selective method of removing alcohols from fermentation broths [1]. Such membranes are prepared by dispersing ethanol-selective zeolite particles into a polymer matrix. The carboxylic acids and longer chain alcohols present in the broths, however, compete with ethanol for adsorption sites within the zeolite channels and this affects the permeability and selectivity of the mixed matrix membrane