C1Bio - Carbon fixation by green chemistry for a C1-based bioeconomy

Purpose and goal

The goal of C1Bio was to develop innovative green catalytic concepts to enable valorization of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) into sustainable platform chemicals, biofuels and polymers. The project resulted in green technologies and processes enabling for utilizing CO2 as a reactant. Two value chains for CO2 valorization were generated, taking a step towards a C1-based bioeconomy. By creating a carbon sink C1Bio can in the future contribute to reducing the release of greenhouse gases in accordance with Sweden’s climate political framework upon industrial implementation.

Expected results and effects

Key technologies were developed to facilitate the conversion of carbon dioxide to C1 chemicals and further functional carbon-fixing bio-based materials. The results are highly encouraging for further work, aiming to leverage on the various technologies. For instance, the process for FDCA generation could be scaled up and further optimized. Stabilized lignin nanoparticles could be used as redox-active enzyme immobilization carriers for the biocatalytic transformations of C1 chemicals.

Planned approach and implementation

Slabon, Syrén and Sipponen were integrating biocatalysis, electrochemistry and material science for CO2 valorization, with RISE Processum providing scale-up capabilities. As electrochemical production combining enzymes with electrodes turned out to be challenging, C1Bio employed proof-of-principle electrochemical generation formic acid from CO2; while focusing on biochemical production and advanced lignin-based materials using CO2 as C1 reactant. Processum successfully provided scale up in bioreactors (3L scale).