(72e) Fractionation of Lignocellulose through a Solution-Free Process

It is vital for successful lignocellulose utilization to fractionate lignocellulose with the least inputs of hardly recyclable chemical and energy and no losses of carbohydrates. This study presents a solution-free process that can energy-efficiently fractionate hardwood chips into cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose sugars. The fractionation in this process is solely achieved by the absorbed chemicals within woodchip, which thus doesn’t need the presence of a solution containing excessive unabsorbed (free) chemicals and solvent (water). Lignin and hemicellulose sugars can be in situ functionalized as functional aldehydes are used. The products (cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, and lignin) and the absorbed chemicals can be readily separated owing to their different solubilities in water and ethanol.