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Production of chemical feedstocks from biomass

Journal Article · · CEP Newsl.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5889167

Glucose and xylose, produced from biomass by hydrolysis with mineral acids can be fermented to produce a variety of chemical feedstocks including ethanol, organic acids, butanol and acetone. Acid rather than enzyme hydrolysis is preferred. In acid hydrolysis reaction temperature and acid concentration were found to be the major variables affecting sugar yield and kinetics. Low reaction temperatures and high acid concentrations are preferred to maximise sugar yields and minimise degradation product formation. Using corn stover residue nearly complete conversion of hemicellulose and cellulose to sugars was obtained. Prehydrolysis of corn stover was found to be faster than paper and peat, and the hydrolysis reaction somewhat slower than prehydrolysis. Acid hydrolyzates using the University of Arkansas process can be fermented to ethanol without pretreatment. Yeast extract is necessary for this process.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville
OSTI ID:
5889167
Journal Information:
CEP Newsl.; (United States), Journal Name: CEP Newsl.; (United States) Vol. 80:1; ISSN CEPND
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English