Study on sub-critical water mediated hydrolysis of Miscanthus a lignocellulosic biomass
2012
Roque, R.M.N. | Baig, M.N. | Leeke, G.A. | Bowra, S. | Santos, R.C.D.
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of sub-critical water (Sub-CW) processing parameters, such as temperature and biomass:Sub-CW:ethanol:CO₂ ratio, in order to optimise the delignification of the Miscanthus χ giganteus, a lignocellulosic biomass. The percentage lignin solubilised (delignification) was calculated by measuring the amount of lignin, using the Klason assay, that remained in the insoluble fraction. The amount of biomass solubilised was determined by calculating the difference between the initial weight of biomass and the weight of the residual insoluble fraction. Experimental results showed a maximum solubilisation and delignification of 53% and 86% respectively at 200°C and biomass/solvent ratio of 1:100, i.e., 2.5g in 250ml of water:ethanol mixture (50:50). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images were taken to analyse the effect of hydrolysis on cellulose fibres structure. The results showed the residual fibres appeared intact, with some lignin globules attached to them. Consequently, it was concluded that the use of Sub-CW:ehanol:CO₂ mediated hydrolysis under the stated operating conditions supported delignification without destroying the cellulose fibres.
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