Application of optical microscopy as a screening technique for cellulose and lignin solvent systems

作者:FitzPatrick Michael; Champagne Pascale*; Cunningham Michael F; Falkenburger Charlene
来源:Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2012, 90(5): 1142-1152.
DOI:10.1002/cjce.20628

摘要

Rapid and facile screening techniques to determine the effectiveness of solvents for cellulose or biomass dissolution can advance biomass processing research. Here, we report the use of a simple optical microscopy method to screen potential cellulose and lignin solvents. The described methodology was used to screen the dissolution of cellulose and lignin in two imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs), two phosphonium-based ILs, as well as a N,N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride (DMAc/LiCl) solution in less time than other techniques. The imidazolium-based ILs and the DMAc/LiCl were found to dissolve both cellulose and lignin. Also, it was observed that one of the phosphonium-based ILs dissolved lignin and not cellulose, demonstrating a potential for biomass fractionation applications.

  • 出版日期2012-10