SuperBase Solutions – A new sustainable and economical solution for industrial-scale production of superbase

Addressing the superbase production challenge

TBD is a highly efficient catalyst with wide-ranging applications in industries such as plastic and textile recycling, and biofuel production. Despite its potential, TBD's adoption has been severely limited due to inefficient and costly production methods. In addition to hindering accessibility, these methods rely on environmentally harmful processes that also produce more waste.

SuperBase Solutions has tackled this production challenge by developing a scalable synthesis process that significantly reduces costs and facilitates industrial-scale production of TBD. This breakthrough enables more sustainable practices across various industrial segments, providing an alternative to toxic chemicals and metal catalysts. It will also improve the efficiency of processes in different industries, such as pyrolysis for plastic recycling and esterification in FAME biofuel production.

By addressing the critical issues of high costs and limited availability, SuperBase Solutions enhances the application potential of TBD, paving the way for broader implementation in industries seeking more efficient and eco-friendly solutions.

Research and development – from concept to innovation

The concept for SuperBase Solutions originated from earlier research focused on ionic liquids for cellulose dissolution. During this research, a demand for TBD-derived ionic liquids was identified within the chemical industry. This recognition underscored the need to develop an efficient and economical synthesis for TBD, leading to the discovery, development, and optimisation of a novel, scalable synthesis process. 

The research that culminated in this advanced synthesis route was primarily conducted in the fields of organic chemistry and at the University of Helsinki's Department of Chemistry. By promoting sustainability, this innovation facilitates industrial-scale production and significantly reduces the production costs of TBD. Consequently, SuperBase Solutions' method stands out as unique and highly effective compared to existing production methods.

Market opportunities and applications

Market research indicates that the global addressable market potential for TBD could reach €9 billion, with demand expected to increase significantly as TBD prices decline. SuperBase Solutions contributes substantially to the green transition and development of circular economy. The invention has one granted patent and another application in relation to the scaling up methodology in preparation.

SuperBase Solutions' sustainable and scalable technology can be integrated into existing production chains, reducing the need for large, centralised facilities and the environmental impact caused by transport. After the TBD production process, other valuable compounds can also be utilised, maximising resource and cost efficiencies.

Environmental, health and economic impact

SuperBase Solutions offers a state-of-the-art, patented production technology that brings significant environmental, health and economic benefits. The technology enables more efficient and safer production, for example, in the fine chemicals industry. A safety improvement would be replacing the highly toxic carbon disulphide or potentially explosive NMMO with safer ionic liquids, such as mTBDH acetate, as solvents for fibre spinning applications.

This technology has already been implemented on an industrial scale. Efforts are underway to enhance the speed of this process further for industrial applications, to develop robust quality control methods, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The economic viability of the technology has already been demonstrated in practice.

Future and path to commercialisation

The SuperBase Solutions research project commenced commercialisation preparations in early 2025, following the receipt of the two-year Research to Business funding from Business Finland. The commercialisation project is facilitated by Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, the technology transfer and commercialisation company of the University of Helsinki.

SuperBase Solutions is currently building an automated prototype system capable of producing TBD in larger quantities while actively building partnerships in collaboration with key industrial role players. By the end of the commercialisation preparations, the goal is to achieve industrial-scale pilot readiness.