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Multilevel composition fractionation process for high-value utilization of wheat straw cellulose
Hong-Zhang Chen1, Zhi-Hua Liu2
1State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Zhongguancun North Second Street, Haidian District Beijing, 100190 PR China.
Biotechnology for Biofuels
|November 27, 2014
Summary
This study effectively fractionates wheat straw into cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, and lignin using steam explosion and ethanol extraction. High-value regenerated cellulose films were produced, showcasing a sustainable biomass utilization pathway.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Valorization
- Green Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Biomass recalcitrance hinders efficient bio-based product development.
- Multilevel fractionation is key to overcoming biomass recalcitrance.
- Wheat straw is a promising feedstock for sustainable biorefining.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an effective multilevel composition fractionation process for wheat straw.
- To establish cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, and lignin platforms.
- To produce regenerated cellulose films from fractionated wheat straw.
Main Methods:
- Wheat straw fractionation using steam explosion (1.6 MPa, 5.2 min).
- Ethanol extraction (160°C, 2 h, 60% ethanol) for lignin removal.
- Regenerated cellulose film preparation using [bmim]Cl.
Main Results:
- Hemicellulose fractionation yield: 73%.
- Lignin fractionation yield: 90%.
- Cellulose yield: up to 93%.
- Regenerated cellulose film exhibited tensile strength of 120 MPa and breaking elongation of 4.8%.
- Homogeneous structure of the regenerated cellulose film indicated dense architecture and good mechanical performance.
Conclusions:
- Steam explosion followed by ethanol extraction is an effective wheat straw fractionation process.
- High yields of polymeric fractions were achieved.
- High-value utilization of wheat straw cellulose was demonstrated through regenerated cellulose film production.
