Use of Butyric Acid as Precursor to Biofuels
There is an increasing interest in using butyric acid as a precursor in producing biofuels. This is expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the growth of the butyric acid market during the forecast period. The growing population and the consequently increasing demand for fossil fuels have led to an overwhelming surge in the demand for liquid fuel, which has triggered the emission levels of greenhouse gases. However, research has been directed toward alternative fuel sources in recent years due to increasing petroleum prices and a growing need for clean energy sources. Biofuels have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional fuels that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a secured supply. Further, butyric acid has been studied as a renewable green platform chemical that can provide an alternative solution to fossil fuels to reduce environmental concerns.
In 2021, scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a fully integrated process to produce butyric acid as a promising precursor for producing diesel and jet fuel from lignocellulosic biomass. The production of fuels from biomass is important to diminish petroleum dependency and build a sustainable bio-economy. Researchers plan to expand this pathway to establish an economically viable route from biomass to renewable diesel and jet fuel. Such developments will offer significant opportunities for the butyric acid market growth.
