Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of maleic anhydride hydrogenation to 1,4-butanediol through biomass gasification coupling with chemical looping hydrogen production

Abstract

Maleic anhydride hydrogenation is an important method to produce 1,4-butanediol. However, a large amount of H₂ is needed for this method. Thus, novel processes to produce 1,4-butanediol from maleic anhydride were proposed using biomass gasification combined with chemical looping hydrogen generation technology (BGCLHP route) and natural gas steam reforming (NGSR route) to provide maleic anhydride hydrogenation with H₂. Life cycle assessment was carried out, indicating that the BGCLHP route has a smaller environmental influence than the NGSR route. Additionally, techno-economic analysis was also studied to analyze the capital and operating investment, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed route with existing technologies. Utilizing municipal solid waste as raw material, the minimum 1,4-butanediol selling price of the BGCLHP route was 2245 $/tonne, indicating it has a better economic performance. Based on the above analysis, the BGCLHP route has the potential to contribute to a more eco-friendly and economically sustainable 1,4-butanediol industry.