Breakdown of Cell Wall Nanostructure in Dilute Acid Pretreated Biomass
- ORNL
The generation of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass holds great promise for renewable and clean energy production. A better understanding of the complex mechanisms of lignocellulose breakdown during various pretreatment methods is needed to realize this potential in a cost and energy efficient way. Here, we use small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to characterize morphological changes in switchgrass lignocellulose across molecular to sub-micron length scales resulting from the industrially-relevant dilute acid pretreatment method. Our results demonstrate that dilute acid pretreatment increases the cross-sectional radius of the crystalline cellulose fibril. This change is accompanied by removal of hemicellulose and the formation of Rg ~ 135 lignin aggregates. The structural signature of smooth cell wall surfaces is observed at length scales larger than 1000 , and it remains remarkably invariable during pretreatment. This study elucidates the interplay of the different biomolecular components in the break down process of switchgrass by dilute acid pretreatment. The results are important for the development of efficient strategies of biomass to biofuel conversion.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); High Flux Isotope Reactor; Center for Structural Molecular Biology
- Sponsoring Organization:
- ORNL LDRD Seed-Money; SC USDOE - Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 992102
- Journal Information:
- Biomacromolecules, Journal Name: Biomacromolecules Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 11; ISSN 1525-7797; ISSN 1526-4602
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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