Ionic liquid pretreatment of cellulosic biomass: Enzymatic hydrolysis and ionic liquid recycle

• DOI: 10.1002/bit.23014
• Publication Date: 2010-12-01T11:29:31Z
• Authors: Kierston Shill; Sasisanker Padman...; Qin Xin; John M. Prausnitz; Douglas S. Clark; Harvey W. Blanch
• Keywords: Cellulosic ethanol; Enzymatic Hydrolysis; Aqueous two-phase system; Lignocellulosic Biomass

Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising solvents for the pretreatment of biomass as certain ILs able to completely solubilize lignocellulose. The cellulose can readily be precipitated with an anti-solvent further hydrolysis glucose, but must removed IL recovered and recycled. We describe use aqueous kosmotropic salt solutions form a three-phase system that precipitates biomass, forming IL-rich salt-rich phases. phase behavior [Emim][Ac] phosphate systems is presented, together process recycling enzymatically hydrolyzing cellulose. This reduces amount water evaporated from recycled IL, permitting efficient recycle IL. Material balances on process, multiple recycles [Emim][Ac], quantify major components Miscanthus feedstock through pretreatment, separation, enzymatic steps. A more rapid higher yielding conversion glucose obtained by compared pretreated water. addition during precipitation results in partial delignification which makes substrate accessible, enhancing hydrolysis.