Catalytic production of bio-based amines and derivatives

Promovendus/a: Michiel Pelckmans

Promotor(en): Prof. dr. ir. Bert Sels

In this research, we have successfully developed new routes for the production of amines, a group of nitrogen-containing chemicals, from plant material. Current industrial technologies for the manufacture of these amines use fossil resources, like crude oil, as the starting material and involve the production of toxic and explosive reaction intermediates. Therefore, we investigated alternative routes that are not only safer, but also start from plant material instead of crude oil. In contrast to fossil resources, plant material can be replenished within a reasonable timeframe, which is why it is considered as renewable. Additionally, the conversion of plant material is considered to be CO2 neutral, since the CO2 that is released during its conversion is reused during photosynthetic growth.

A wide variety of different amines was produced with high selectivity by the novel presented technologies, including amines that are already produced today from fossil resources, but also new amines that can be used as building blocks for new plastics or new, renewable fabric softeners.