Ionic liquids in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass
Héctor Rodríguez
Abstract
The pretreatment is a key step in the processing of lignocellulosic biomass for its transformation into chemicals and materials of biorenewable origin. Ionic liquids, with their characteristic set of unique properties, have the potential to be the basis of novel pretreatment processes with higher effectiveness and improved sustainability as compared to the current state-of-the-art processes. In this opinion paper, the author provides a perspective on possible processing strategies for this pretreatment with ionic liquids, identifying different advantages as well as challenges to be overcome.
Topics & Concepts
Lignocellulosic biomassIonic liquidBiomass (ecology)Biochemical engineeringProcess engineeringPulp and paper industryTransformation (genetics)ChemistryChemical engineeringEnvironmental scienceOrganic chemistryHydrolysisCatalysisAgronomyEngineeringBiochemistryBiologyGeneBiofuel production and bioconversionCatalysis for Biomass ConversionLignin and Wood Chemistry