Radiation-Induced Structural Changes of Miscanthus Biomass

Su Su,Zhang Zhang,Wang Wang,Liu Liu,Li Li

doi:10.3390/app10031130

Abstract

Efficient pretreatment is a prerequisite for lignocellulosic biomass biorefinery due to the structure of lignocellulose. This study is a first-time investigation into the structural changes of Miscanthus biomass treated with 60Co γ-ray irradiation in different doses up to 1200 kGy. The structural properties of the treated sample have been systematically characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), XRD, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), a laser particle size analyzer, SEM, an atomic force microscope (AFM), and NMR. The results show that irradiation treatment can partially destroy the intra- or inter-molecular hydrogen bonds of biomass. Irradiation treatment can also reduce particle size, narrow the distribution range, as well as increase the specific surface area of biomasses. Noticeably, the TGA stability of the treated biomass decreases with increasing absorbed doses. To respond to these structural changes, the treated biomass can be easily hydrolyzed by cellulases with a high yield of reducing sugars (557.58 mg/g biomass), much higher than that of the untreated sample. We conclude that irradiation treatment can damage biomass structure, a promising strategy for biomass biorefinery in the future.

Highlights

IntroductionAs a C4 perennial grass, Miscanthus is an important potential energy crop in China and Europe
As a C4 perennial grass, Miscanthus is an important potential energy crop in China and Europe.It is characterized by higher adaptability, bio-production, and fiber content, as well as lower ash content and input requirements in comparison to conventional crops [1,2]
In comparison with the compositions of giant reed and Chinese silvergrass reported in the literature, Miscanthus has the same contents of holocellulose and lignin as giant reed, and the total content is higher than Chinese silvergrass [18]

Summary

Introduction

As a C4 perennial grass, Miscanthus is an important potential energy crop in China and Europe. It is characterized by higher adaptability, bio-production, and fiber content, as well as lower ash content and input requirements in comparison to conventional crops [1,2]. The chemical composition of Miscanthus includes cellulose (370–501 g/kg dry solids), hemicellulose (283–354 g/kg dry solids), and lignin (68.7–127.6 g/kg dry solids) [3]. Biofuels and biochemicals from Miscanthus have been comprehensively studied in the past few years. The recalcitrant structure of biomass has become one of the main factors restricting biofuel production [1,4].

Methods

Results

Conclusion