Bioconversion of switchgrass: Identification of a leading pretreatment option based on yield, cost and environmental impact

摘要

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L) is considered to be one of the best feedstocks for second generation ethanol production. However, its use as a biofuel resource for the ethanol market is challenged by high investment costs and inconsistent production methodologies. This study explores the use of switchgrass as a potential feedstock for ethanol production, investigating the effects of different pretreatment chemicals sodium hydroxide, methanol, sulphuric acid and ammonia - employed at various concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2 mol L-1 on conversion yields, while also minimising cost and assessing potential environmental impacts.