Process for decomposing lignin in biomass

摘要

A mild inexpensive process for treating lignocellulosic biomass involves oxidative delignification of wood using an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving a catalytic amount of manganese (III) acetate into water and adding hydrogen peroxide. Within 4 days and without agitation, the solution was used to convert poplar wood sections into a fine powder-like delignified, cellulose rich materials that included individual wood cells.

主权项

1. A process for treating lignocellulosic biomass, comprising
providing lignocellulosic biomass that includes lignin, forming either a suspension or a first aqueous solution by suspending or dissolving a solid manganese (III) salt selected from manganese (III) acetate, manganese(III) trifluoroacetate, or manganese (III) triflate in an aqueous solvent, combining an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide with the suspension or first aqueous solution to form a second aqueous solution, said second aqueous solution comprising a pH of less than about 6, and combining the second aqueous solution with the lignocellulosic biomass under conditions suitable for the decomposition of the lignin, thereby treating the lignocellulosic biomass.