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Acid softening and hydrolysis of cellulose

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5898379· OSTI ID:5898379

Cellulose obtained from steam-exploded wood is softened with concentrated sulfuric acid. After removal of most of the acid by washing with ethanol, the residual acid hydrolyzes the cellulose as it is added in portions to water. Very attractive features of this process are reaction speed that is many times that of enzymatic hydrolysis, simplicity, and the potential to prepare high concentrations of glucose in the hydrolysis mixture. The experiments addressed yields, glucose concentrations, and recycle of sulfuric acid because these have great impact on process economics. 27 refs., 9 tabs.

Research Organization:
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Albany, NY (USA); Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (USA). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
Sponsoring Organization:
NYSERDA; New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Albany, NY (USA)
OSTI ID:
5898379
Report Number(s):
NYSERDA-91-2; ON: TI91012245
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English