Mechanocatalytic Depolymerization of Lignocellulose Performed on Hectogram and Kilogram Scales

Abstract

Mechanocatalytic depolymerization of lignocellulose constitutes a new frontier in biorefining. In a one-pot process, the combination of mechanical forces and acid catalysis leads to the full conversion of (dried) lignocellulose into water-soluble products (oligosaccharides and lignin fragments). In solution, these products undergo hydrolysis and other reactions, rendering high yields of monosaccharides along with precipitation of a sulfur-free lignin. Therefore, the water-soluble oligosaccharides may serve as a unique replacement for glucose and xylose for the production of platform chemicals. In this work, we report the results obtained from mechanocatalytic depolymerization of α-cellulose, beechwood, and poplar wood performed in Simoloyer mills operating on hectogram and kilogram scales. Irrespective of the process scale, full conversion of the substrate into “water-soluble (ligno)celluloses”, within milling durations of 1–3 h, is achieved. A phenomenological analysis of parameters for the process upsca...