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Novel recyclable deep eutectic solvent boost biomass pretreatment for enzymatic hydrolysis
Zhi-Kun Wang1, Hanyin Li2, Xin-Chun Lin3
1State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Lin'an, Zhejiang 311300, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Utilization of Forestry Biomass, Lin'an, Zhejiang 311300, PR China.
Bioresource Technology
|April 2, 2020
Summary
A novel deep eutectic solvent (DES) using iron(III) chloride effectively pretreats biomass for biofuel production. This recyclable DES enhances cellulose conversion while minimizing corrosion, addressing key biorefinery challenges.
Area of Science:
- Biomass valorization
- Green chemistry
- Biorefinery technologies
Background:
- Deep eutectic solvents (DES) show promise for biomass valorization but face challenges with acid corrosion and recyclability.
- Protonic acid-based DES can lead to equipment degradation and complicate downstream processing in biorefineries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a novel, effective, and recyclable deep eutectic solvent (DES) for biomass pretreatment.
- To address the limitations of acid corrosion and poor recyclability associated with traditional DES in biorefining.
Main Methods:
- A new DES was formulated by coordinating iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) in a choline chloride/glycerol system.
- The FeCl3-based DES was used to pretreat Hybrid Pennisetum biomass.
- Cellulose retention, lignin and hemicellulose removal, and cellulose saccharification efficiency were evaluated.
- The recyclability of the DES was assessed over multiple pretreatment cycles.
Main Results:
- The FeCl3-based DES achieved high cellulose retention (95.2%) in pretreated Hybrid Pennisetum.
- Lignin (78.88 wt%) and hemicellulose (93.63 wt%) removal were significant, leading to a six-fold increase in cellulose saccharification (99.5%).
- The DES demonstrated excellent recyclability, with high cellulose conversion efficiency maintained after five cycles.
Conclusions:
- The developed FeCl3-coordinated DES offers an effective and recyclable solution for biomass pretreatment.
- This approach overcomes acid corrosion and recycling issues, paving the way for low-cost biorefineries.
- The study highlights the potential of this novel DES to boost biofuel development.
