Abstract
The fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass to its major components is the primary step towards the conversion of biomass-based biopolymers to commodity chemicals in the integrated biorefinery process. Wood chips encased in a SpinChem® device and attached to the stirrer of a batch autoclave were used together with switchable ionic liquids (SILs) for the selective fractionation of hemicelluloses and lignin. Stirring of the wood chips in the SpinChem® device facilitated the diffusion of SIL into the chips through forced recirculation and at the same time avoiding mechanical fibrillation. The treatment of birch chips (Betula pendula) with SILs comprising 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU), monoethanolamine (MEA) and CO2 at 120°C in a SpinChem® device resulted in the fractionation of 82wt.% hemicelluloses and 90wt.% lignin, leaving the cellulose-rich non-dissolved material partially fibrillated and softened. The dissolved hemicelluloses and lignin were selectively precipitated using isopropanol and recovered from the spent SIL.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.