Homogeneous Degradation of Cellulose in Its Aqueous Solution at Mild Temperature under Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract

Degradation of cellulose to chemicals is one of major routes for biomass conversion. Here, a new simple and two-step method has been developed to convert cellulose in its homogeneously alkaline solution to organic acids under atmospheric pressure at mild temperature. At first, cellulose was degraded to small molecular intermediates at 110 °C for 3 h under atmospheric pressure, and then it was oxidized with H2O2 at 50 °C for 4 h. Under the optimal condition, 73.5% conversion of cellulose could be achieved, and the yield of organic acids was 32.8% (formic acid), 11.6% (lactic acid), and 2.3% (oxalic acid), respectively. It is noteworthy that the new strategy reduces energy consumption in the process of reaction, unlike the hydrothermal reaction under high temperature and high pressure.