Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches new methods of converting syngas into ethanol and/or other higher alcohols. Preferred embodiments recycle methanol, partially convert it to syngas, and then convert this additional syngas also to C2+ alcohols. Generally, the invention provides reactors comprising catalysts capable of converting syngas to alcohols with low selectivities to carbon dioxide and methane, and further provides process strategies to separate and recycle unreacted syngas as well as methanol produced by the catalyst. The invention is capable of turning modest per-pass reaction selectivities to a particular alcohol, such as ethanol, into economically significant net selectivities and yields.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the chemical conversion of syngas to alcohols. The invention includes catalyst compositions, methods of making the catalyst compositions, and methods of using the catalyst compositions. Certain embodiments teach compositions for catalyzing the conversion of syngas into products comprising at least one C1-C4 alcohol, such as ethanol. These compositions generally include cobalt, molybdenum, and sulfur. Preferred catalyst compositions for converting syngas into alcohols include cobalt associated with sulfide in certain preferred stoichiometries as described and taught herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to alcohols. The alcohols can be subjected to drying to produce an intermediate alcohol product, followed by distilling the intermediate product to produce a purified ethanol product for use in liquid fuels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in a first reaction zone, and residual syngas from the first reaction zone is then catalytically converted to ethanol in a second reaction zone. Also, in some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in high yield in a first reaction zone, and the methanol is then converted (optionally, with additional syngas) to ethanol in a second reaction zone.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. Some variations employ eductors for facilitating flow of solid and gas phases in the processes of the invention. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.