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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Biomass using the OrganoCat Process
Published on: June 5, 2021
Hemicellulose hydrolysis with simultaneous delignification: A reaction-diffusion-structure evolution coupled kinetic
Wenbin Ding1, Gaojie Shi1, Lintao Huang1
1Engineering Research Center of Resource Utilization of Carbon-containing Waste with Carbon Neutrality, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China; State Key Laboratory of Coal Liquification, Gasification and Utilization with High Efficiency and Low Carbon Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China; Biomass Energy and Material Research Center, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China.
This study introduces a new model for lignocellulose fractionation, improving the understanding of how component separation affects diffusion and structure. The model accurately predicts corn stover fractionation, aiding in efficient biomass conversion.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Conversion and Biorefining
- Chemical Engineering
- Reaction Engineering
Background:
- One-pot lignocellulose fractionation is key for biomass valorization.
- Existing models lack detail on diffusion-structure coupling during fractionation.
- Heterogeneity in lignocellulose processing requires advanced modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reaction-diffusion-structure model for corn stover fractionation.
- To elucidate the interplay between intraparticle diffusion and structural evolution.
- To enhance kinetic models for lignocellulose processing.
Main Methods:
- Developed a coupled reaction-diffusion-structure model for lignocellulose fractionation.
- Incorporated acid diffusion, component hydrolysis/solubilization, and dynamic changes in porosity and tortuosity.
- Validated the model against experimental data for corn stover in an acetone/n-pentanol/dilute-acid system.
Main Results:
- The model accurately reproduced solid-phase fractionation and liquid-phase product formation (RMSE=0.0466, R²=0.983).
- Accounting for lignin solubilization and pore-dependent tortuosity improved predictions of hemicellulose removal and delignification.
- Lignin solubilization was shown to enhance pore structure and facilitate acid diffusion.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides an interpretable framework for analyzing complex lignocellulose fractionation processes.
- Understanding reaction-diffusion-structure coupling is crucial for optimizing biomass conversion.
- The model's insights can guide the design of more efficient biorefinery processes.
