Direct Hydrolysis of Biomass Polymers using High-pressure CO2 and CO2-H2O Mixtures

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Currently, sub-/supercritical fluids are becoming one of the most popular sustainable technologies for biomass processing since they have demonstrated several advantages over conventional processes. Enhanced selectivity, better hydrolysis capabilities and lower environmental impacts are some of the crucial aspects in the important growth of sub-/supercritical fluids field. This chapter focuses on the direct application of the most natural solvents, CO2 and H2O in a mixture and at high pressures, in hydrolysis of biomass, taking cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, starch and proteins as representative polymers for the direct production of output chemicals. Fundamentals of high-pressure CO2 and a CO2/H2O mixture are reviewed, together with the essential parameters that can affect the efficiency of biomass hydrolysis and the tuning of them. Although the application of high-pressure CO2/H2O faces several drawbacks concerning the equipment costs and scale-up, this novel technology holds great promise for utilization as a "green" technology in a biorefinery setting.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHigh Pressure Technologies in Biomass Conversion
EditorsJames H. Clark, Rafal M. Lukasik, Rafal M. Lukasik
PublisherRSC - Royal Society of Chemistry
Pages83-114
Number of pages32
Volume2017-January
Edition48
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2017

Publication series

NameRSC Green Chemistry
Number48
Volume2017-January
ISSN (Print)1757-7039
ISSN (Electronic)1757-7047

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