A multi-product strategy for the fractionation of corn stover based on peracetic acid and maleic acid processing

Abstract

As an efficient lignocellulose fractionation process, peracetic acid and maleic acid (PAM) pretreatment is integrated into a multi-product platform for the simultaneous manufacture of cellulose, lignin, and xylose. Employing such strategy, 100 g corn stover (dry basis) yielded 39.63 g cellulose-rich solids along with 11.88 g xylose and 12.00 g lignin recovered from the pretreatment liquor. The recovery of xylose and lignin was assessed with various organic solvents, of which 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) showed superior performance, giving high lignin yield (75.23%) and xylose yield (67.32%). The recovered lignin (2-MeTHF-L) was characterized by high purity, relatively low molecular weight, and large numbers of carboxyl group. Besides, 2D-HSQC NMR analysis revealed that the 2-MeTHF-L was esterified with maleic acid during PAM pretreatment, partly responsible for its enhanced antioxidant ability. This strategy maximizes feedstock utilization and improves the processability in downstream valorization, offering a prospect for sustainable and efficient biorefineries.