Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Catalytic organosolv fractionation of willow wood and wheat straw as pretreatment for enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis

2011; Wiley; Volume: 86; Issue: 11 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/jctb.2654

1097-4660

W.J.J. Huijgen, Arjan T. Smit, J.H. Reith, H. den Uil,

Catalysis for Biomass Conversion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Ethanol‐based organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass is an effective pretreatment technology for enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis to produce sugars and lignin within a biorefinery. This study focuses on the catalytic effect of H 2 SO 4 , HCl, and MgCl 2 on organosolv pretreatment of willow wood and wheat straw. RESULTS: The use of catalysts improved fractionation of both feedstocks. The maximum enzymatic cellulose digestibility obtained was 87% for willow wood (using 0.01 mol L −1 H 2 SO 4 as catalyst) and 99% for wheat straw (0.02 mol L −1 HCl). Non‐catalytic organosolv fractionation at identical conditions resulted in 74% (willow wood) and 44% (wheat straw) glucose yield by enzymatic hydrolysis. Application of catalysts in organosolv pretreatment was particularly effective for wheat straw. The influence of the acid catalysts was found to be primarily due to their effect on the pH of the organosolv liquor. Acid catalysts particularly promoted xylan hydrolysis. MgCl 2 was less effective than the acid catalysts, but it seemed to more selectively improve delignification of willow wood. CONCLUSION: Application of catalysts in organosolv pretreatment of willow wood and wheat straw was found to substantially improve fractionation and enzymatic digestibility. The use of catalysts can contribute to achieving maximum utilization of lignocellulosic biomass in organosolv‐based biorefineries. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry