PERFORM: making chemical processes more sustainable and efficient
The PERFORM project was set up to reduce the environmental impact of the chemical industry and increase the industry’s competitive potential globally. To achieve that goal, we examined various technologies to lower CO₂ emissions of chemical processes by using bio-based products and renewable energy.
Innovation becomes a necessity in the chemical industry
The chemical industry is a crucial part of the European economy. However, over the past few years, the sales results of European chemistry businesses have been decreasing gradually. Additionally, the industry became less competitive because of all kinds of global developments, such as more affordable workers and materials from Asia.
That forces the chemical industry to innovate – a pressure pushed by a call for greater sustainability and less greenhouse emissions.
Luckily, competitiveness and sustainability go hand in hand. The chemical industry can reach the required sustainability level by using energy and raw materials more efficiently (think of using local reusable resources).
When it comes to the level of competition, these developments will eventually save costs and introduce innovative products and processes to the market, which strengthens the competitive position of the European chemical industry globally.
The PERFORM project aimed to contribute to that by developing technologies that limit the environmental impact of the chemical industry.
The implementation of electrochemical production methods
The technologies PERFORM focused on targeted highly efficient, integrated electrochemical systems. They can optimise oxidative chemical conversions based on biological resources considerably.
The goal was to develop a flexible PowerPlatform pilot plant we could use even after we completed the project. In this factory, we would be able to develop technologies and innovations, paving the way for the implementation of electrochemical production methods.
For example, chemical conversions consisting of multiple steps could be condensed using PERFORM, executing them in a single electrochemical cell. That kind of technology is ground-breaking.
Therefore, the implementation of electro-chemical production methods for valuable components is a real breakthrough that will lead to more efficient and sustainable production.
VITO’s role in PERFORM
- VITO developed the electrosynthesis route for glucose oxidation to glucaric acid and further conversion to adipic acid.
- Electrode development and upscaling.
- Downstream processing.
Funding
PERFORM was funded by the European Union’s research and innovation programme Horizon 2020 as part of grant agreement n° 820723.
