Experimental, equilibrium modelling, and column design for the reactive separation of biomass‐derived 2‐furoic acid

Electrochemical conversion of biomass to value‐added chemicals has gained impetus in recent years. Herein, we present a methodology for recovering biomass‐derived 2‐furoic acid from the dilute aqueous stream by reactive extraction. The reactive extraction was performed using a chemical extractant, trioctylamine (TOA), with diluents (octanol, chloroform, and diethyl ether). Equilibrium parameters influencing the recovery of 2‐furoic acid were evaluated. Using TOA in various diluents, the 2‐furoic acid was recovered with 85%–99% efficiency. A 1:1 complex of the 2‐furoic acid—TOA was formed in the organic phase, and the experimental equilibrium complexation constant was compared with that obtained from the relative basicity and Langmuir models. The equilibrium parameters were used for column design to estimate the solvent to feed ratio (S/F) and the number of theoretical stages (NTS). The NTS required is 12 to attain 99% recovery of 2‐furoic acid in counter‐current extraction. The present study sheds light on the reactive extraction process adopted for process intensification with electrochemical conversion, paving the way for the commercialization of valuable products obtained from biomass. Conceptual design for the integrated photoelectrochemical/electrochemical reaction—separation—recovery scheme for 2‐furoic acid.