Combined approaches to obtain cellulose nanocrystals, nanofibrils and fermentable sugars from elephant grass

Author(s)

Nascimento, Sandra A. ^[1] ; Rezende, Camila A. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Inst Chem, POB 6154, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Carbohydrate Polymers; v. 180, p. 38-45, JAN 15 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

This work is focused in methodologies to obtain cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, soluble lignin and fermentable sugars from elephant grass, aiming a more integral use of this biomass. To improve hydrolysis, three different pretreatments for biomass delignification and bleaching were compared: 1. Concentrated alkaline peroxide (CP); 2. Diluted alkaline peroxide (DP); and 3. Acid-alkali (AA) pretreatment. Cellulose nanocrystals were obtained from elephant grass leaves by acid hydrolysis, with a 12-16% w/w yield considering the initial biomass weight, and presented high crystallinity index (CI = 72-77%) and aspect ratios (30-44), depending on the pretreatment approach. Together with the cellulose nanocrystals, other useful by-products were obtained, such as cellulose nanofibrils (3.8%-9.7% w/w yield), extractives (12.3%), liquors rich in hydrolysed lignin (16.0-21.1%) and sugars (22.1-25.2%). The results presented herewith should contribute to the economic viability and the sustainability of this biomass fractionation process. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/13602-7 - Study on strategies to allow the integral use of lignocellulosic biomass
• Grantee: Camila Alves de Rezende
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants