Abstract
Ligno-cellulosic biomass has been proposed as an option for reducing global dependence on non-renewable energy sources, such as oil. Using Hot water pre-treatment method for Ashoka leaf powder (ALP), we report here that low moisture content was observed for the ALP, and maximum crystallinity index (CrI) was found 43.252%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed the change in crystalline structure and size variation before and after treatment of ALP. Through UV–Visible spectra the energy band-gap of extract was 2.92 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed the significant increase in the absorbance after treatment. Ellipsometry confirmed the extraction of lignin after treatment as it gave the reflective index (R.I.) of value 1.61. These results show that the ALP can also act as a potential feedstock for biofuel production and because of its optical properties it can have a vast range of applications. Our studies confirm that hot water treatment is very efficient method for separating lignin from cellulose which is useful for bio fuel. In our investigation we found that there the crystallinity and crystallite size of material was reduced which is the key factor in the bio-energy production through biomass.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
