Grant: Canada Research Chairs

The long-term objective of this research program is to convert biomass residues into high value chemicals and functional materials to help in the development of the Canadian bioeconomy, and the reduction in greenhouse gases. Within the next seven years, the vision of the research program focuses on the following objectives: 1) To convert biomass residues into high value platform chemicals; 2) To maximize the selectivity and production yields of platform chemicals through continuous processing, and the utilization of recyclable catalytic systems; and 3) To synthesize novel functional polymers from bio-based platform chemicals, which will mimic or outperform their petroleum-based counterparts. The research program targets the production of biobased platform chemicals derived from inedible biomass residues and wastes, and their transformation into functional materials to increase the potential of bringing within reach biorefineries. Special attention is given to the selection of the feedstocks as one of the primary goals is to utilize resources which do not compete with human or animal nutrition. Based on the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, food residues reach 168 million tonnes per year in North America. These residues represent tremendous potential as they can be transformed and help in the development of the Canadian bioeconomy. The benefits to Québec and Canada include training of a new generation of Canadian highly qualified personnel to address some of the critical issues surrounding the synthesis of low-cost bio-based chemicals and polymers through environmentally friendly processes. This is of importance as per the Bioproducts Production and Development Survey 2015 (Agriculture and Agrifood Canada), there were 190 businesses reporting $4.3 billion in revenues from bioproducts. Moreover, this program proposes to use these chemicals for the synthesis of reusable polymers. The production of these polymers is in agreement with the Canada strategy on zero plastic waste. Currently, nearly 90% of Canada's plastic waste is not recycled or recovered.