Abstract
Ionic liquids have been actively studied for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass due to their ability to dissolve various native biomasses at high temperatures ranging from 70 to 140°C in several hours. In this chapter, their application is reviewed and the delignification mechanism is investigated through microscopic, spectroscopic, and chemical analyses. The effects of various cation–anion combinations, viability of cellulases, and the recycling of ionic liquids will be discussed. In addition, recent advances in the application of ionic liquids at room temperature will be described. For example, poplar wood cell walls swell upon exposure to an ionic liquid at room temperature, and recover partially their original size upon addition of water. A process to incorporate materials/chemicals into the wood structure is designed based on the expansion and contraction of the biomass, which has applications such as improved pretreatment strategies, composites, and sensing capabilities using low-cost and biocompatible materials.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
