Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of biomass refining and cellulose production. More particularly, it concerns high purity cellulose production using a process that employs a water/organic co-solvent mixture with reduced use of chemicals.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 21, 2016
Publication date:
June 15, 2017
Applicant:
Glucan BioRenewables, LLC
Inventors:
David Martin Alonso, Jeffrey J. Fornero, Sikander Hakim
Abstract: Described is a method of processing biomass to separate it into a liquid fraction enriched in solubilized C5-sugar-containing oligomers and C-5 sugar monomers and a solid fraction enriched in substantially insoluble cellulose and C6-sugar-containing oligomers. The method includes the steps of reacting biomass with a solvent system comprising water, at least one lactone, or at least one furan, or at least one cyclic ether, and at least one acid, for a time and at a temperature to yield the liquid and solid fractions. The liquid and solid fractions may then be separated. Gamma-valeroloactone is a preferred lactone for use in the solvent system. Tetrahydrofuran is a preferred furan species for use in the solvent system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 20, 2013
Date of Patent:
June 7, 2016
Assignees:
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Glucan Biorenewables LLC
Inventors:
James A. Dumesic, David Martin Alonso, Jeremy Scott Luterbacher