Abstract: Disclosed is a process for converting lower linear and branched mono-olefins, derived from C2-C5 bio-based alcohols to higher hydrocarbons, to one or more C8-C24 hydrocarbons. Certain embodiments provide a process for oligomerization of branched and/or linear C3-C8 olefins to renewable diesel fuel and/or jet fuel in overall yields of at least 70% in the presence of tungstated ?-alumina or tungstated silica catalysts admixed with ZSM-5 type zeolites.

Abstract: Processes for converting one or more C1-C5 linear or branched alcohols to one or more C2-C5 olefins are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the process can be a single stage process for the direct conversion of C1-C5 alcohols to olefinic mixtures (e.g., C2-C5) carried out in a reactor using a catalyst that includes zeolite doped with boron and phosphor. Systems for carrying out these processes are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a single stage process for the direct conversion of alcohols, e.g. ethanol, to olefinic mixtures (C2-C7) with low levels of aromatics carried out in a single reactor with two fixed catalyst beds in series, or two catalytic fixed bed reactors in series wherein the first reactor operates at a lower or higher temperature than the operating temperature of the second reactor. The process transformation of ethanol is comprised of ethanol dehydration to ethylene and water in high yield with the first catalyst in the first reactor, or via the first fixed catalyst bed, followed by directly feeding the ethylene and water to the second reactor, or second fixed catalyst bed, with conversion of said ethylene and water to a C2-C7 olefinic mixture with the second catalyst(s) in high yields with minimal aromatic compound formation.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to a catalytic process for upgrading crude and/or refined fusel oil mixtures to higher value renewable 2-methyl-2-butene, via novel doped alumina catalysts. It was found that passing a vaporized stream of crude and/or refined fusel oils over doped alumina catalysts provides renewable 2-methyl-2-butene in high yields in a single step. Subsequent downstream purification of the reactor effluent results in a renewable 2-methyl-2-butene at competitive price and quality to fossil fuel derived 2-methyl-2-butene.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to catalytic processes for oligomerizing bio-based olefinic mixtures to higher value renewable fuels via a doped Chabazite zeolite catalyst. A stream including a C2-C8 olefin and an oxygenate is fed to an oligomerization process utilizing a doped Chabazite zeolite catalyst resulting in high yields and selectivity of oligomers used to produce bio-based jet fuel and/or diesel fuels depending upon reaction temperatures and pressures. The process also produces iso-octane that is suitable for producing bio-based gasoline. The process tolerates relatively high levels of oxygenates in the olefinic feed and the catalyst is capable of air regeneration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and materials for oligomerization of lower olefins (e.g., C2-C8) to transportations fuels including diesel and/or jet fuel. The oligomerization employs, in certain embodiments, tungstated zirconium catalysts. Surprisingly, the oligomerizations proceed smoothly in high yields and exhibit little to no sensitivity to the presence of significant amounts of oxygenates (e.g., water, lower alcohols such as C2-C8 alcohols) in the feed stream. Accordingly, the present disclosure is uniquely suited to the production of fuels derived from bio-based alcohols, wherein olefins produced from such bio-based alcohols typically contain high levels of oxygenates.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to catalytic processes for upgrading crude and/or refined fusel oil mixtures to higher value renewable chemicals, via mixed metal oxide or zeolite catalysts. Disclosed herein are processes passing a vaporized stream of crude and/or refined fusel oils over various mixed metal oxide catalysts, metal doped zeolites, or non-metal doped zeolites and/or metal oxides providing options to valorize fusel oil mixtures to higher value products. Renewable chemicals formed, via these upgrading catalyst platforms, are comprised of, but not limited to, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), di-isobutyl ketone (DIBK), isoamylene, and isoprene.

Abstract: This application relates to the production of functionalized lower hydrocarbons and more particularly to the process of converting ethanol to functionalized lower hydrocarbons. In particular embodiments, the ethanol to functionalized lower hydrocarbon conversion is catalyzed by a ZnxZryAvQsMnwOz mixed oxide catalyst or a bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst. In particular embodiments, the ethanol to be converted is present at molar concentrations in the reactor feed equal to or exceeding 14%.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant microorganisms comprising an isobutanol producing metabolic pathway and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise a modification resulting in the reduction of pyruvate decarboxylase and/or glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols. The recovery process advantageously utilizes the immiscible properties of a first phase liquid and a second phase liquid to separate the liquids prior to processing C3-C6 alcohols to recovery. The invention is also directed to C3-C6 alcohol-containing compositions.

Abstract: This application relates to the production of functionalized lower hydrocarbons and more particularly to the process of converting ethanol to functionalized lower hydrocarbons. In particular embodiments, the ethanol to functionalized lower hydrocarbon conversion is catalyzed by a ZnxZryAvQsMnwOz mixed oxide catalyst or a bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst. In particular embodiments, the ethanol to be converted is present at molar concentrations in the reactor feed equal to or exceeding 14%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising biosynthetic pathways and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce various beneficial metabolites. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may further comprise one or more modifications resulting in the reduction or elimination of 3 keto-acid (e.g., acetolactate and 2-aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate) and/or aldehyde-derived by-products. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces Glade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising an isobutanol producing metabolic pathway and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide with keto-isovalerate decarboxylase (KIVD) activity, wherein said polypeptide is at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to a polypeptide selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-214. Also provided are modified decarboxylases exhibiting an improved ability to utilize ?-ketoisovalerate as a substrate in various beneficial enzymatic conversions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols. The recovery process advantageously utilizes the immiscible properties of a first phase liquid and a second phase liquid to separate the liquids prior to processing C3-C6 alcohols to recovery. The invention is also directed to C3-C6 alcohol-containing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to renewable compositions derived from fermentation of biomass, and integrated methods of preparing such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising biosynthetic pathways and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce various beneficial metabolites. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may further comprise one or more modifications resulting in the reduction or elimination of 3 keto-acid (e.g., acetolactate and 2-aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate) and/or aldehyde-derived by-products. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention in its various embodiments is directed to methods for preparing a renewable jet fuel blendstock, and blendstocks prepared by such methods, comprising fermenting a biomass-derived feedstock to form one or more C2-C6 alcohols such as isobutanol, catalytically dehydrate and oligomerize the alcohols to form higher molecular weight olefins (e.g., C8-C16 olefins), hydrogenating at least a portion of the higher molecular weight olefins to form a renewable jet fuel blendstock comprising C12 and C16 alkanes which meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM D7566-10a for hydroprocessed synthesized paraffinic kerosene (SPK).

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions, such as fermentation broths. Such methods provide improved volumetric productivity for the fermentation and allows recovery of the alcohol. Such methods also allow for reduced energy use in the production and drying of spent fermentation broth due to increased effective concentration of the alcohol product by the simultaneous fermentation and recovery process which increases the quantity of alcohol produced and recovered per quantity of fermentation broth dried. Thus, the invention allows for production and recovery of C3-C6 alcohols at low capital and reduced operating costs.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions, such as fermentation broths. Such methods provide improved volumetric productivity for the fermentation and allow recovery of the alcohol. Such methods also allow for reduced energy use in the production and drying of spent fermentation broth due to increased effective concentration of the alcohol product by the simultaneous fermentation and recovery process which increases the quantity of alcohol produced and recovered per quantity of fermentation broth dried. Thus, the invention allows for production and recovery of C3-C6 alcohols at low capital and reduced operating costs.

Abstract: Methods for producing a biofuel are provided. Also provided are biocatalysts that convert a feedstock to a biofuel.