A Single Step Fractionation of Lignocellulose in Aqueous Solutions of a Carboxylic Acid-Functionalized Ionic Liquid

摘要

abstract_textpThis paper presents the features of corn stover pretreated under mild conditions in aqueous solution of a carboxylic acid functionalized ionic liquids 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (IL-COOH). The results revealed that such pretreatment selectively removed hemicelluloses in corn stover, resulting in cellulose- and lignin-rich pulps with moderate enzymatic reactivity. The corn stover pretreated in 40 wt IL-COOH at 120 degrees C for 4 h demonstrated increases in cellulose and lignin contents from 37.9 to 55.6, and 21.1 to 26.5, respectively, while decrease in the content of hemicellulose from 24.4 to 9.34. Subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of the pulps achieved from pretreatment in 50 wt IL-COOH aqueous solution at 105 degrees C for 4 h produced 0.32 g.g(-1) glucose and 0.45 g.g(-1) total reducing sugars. The recyclability and reusability of IL-COOH in the pretreatment system was also investigated./p/abstract_text