Developments in Downstream Butanol Separation from Acetone, Butanol, and Ethanol Fermentation

Biobutanol is known for its potential as a biofuel and for having various other industrial applications. However, technical and economic constraints still restrict its commercial application. Biobutanol is produced via acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) fermentation, in which acetone and ethanol are also produced, mainly by Clostridium sp.; however, it is toxic to the cells. Efforts have been made to improve the process by separating butanol from the fermentation broth. This work presents an overview of the main processes reported in ABE separation in the literature, focusing on the pervaporation approach. Some of the latest developments in the field are stated, aiming at comparing the separation processes.