Demineralizing Biomass for Ionic Liquid Cellulose Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes struggle to dissolve cellulose from biomass materials containing minerals in Ionic Liquid media due to mineral interference with solvent properties, which affects the efficiency and viability of cellulose regeneration, derivatization, or conversion.
Innovation Solution
A process involving demineralization of biomass materials before contacting them with an Ionic Liquid medium, using a solvent and mechanical action to remove minerals, followed by using inorganic molten salt hydrates as the preferred Ionic Liquid medium, which are more temperature stable and effective in dissolving cellulose even in the presence of water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lower grade biomass materials containing minerals are used as feedstock, then cost is reduced and availability is improved, but the minerals interact with the Ionic Liquid medium and change its solvent properties, reducing dissolution efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary demineralization treatment to the biomass material before dissolving it in the Ionic Liquid medium. This pre-treatment removes minerals that would otherwise interact with and alter the solvent properties of the Ionic Liquid, ensuring stable dissolution conditions while allowing the use of lower grade, more abundant biomass feedstocks
2Reliability
If demineralization treatment is applied to remove minerals from biomass material, then solvent property stability is improved, but additional process steps are required, increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aqueous acid solutions that serve multiple functions: they act as demineralization agents to remove minerals, and the water contained in these acid solutions simultaneously serves as an anti-solvent for cellulose precipitation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate process steps and materials
3Adaptability or versatility
If aqueous acid solutions are used for demineralization, then mineral removal is achieved and water acts as anti-solvent for cellulose, but acid handling requirements increase safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dual role of water in the aqueous acid solution: as a vehicle for acid delivery during demineralization, and subsequently as an anti-solvent for cellulose precipitation. By leveraging this parameter change and multi-functionality, the process achieves effective mineral removal while utilizing readily available materials, though acid handling safety remains a consideration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process effectively dissolves cellulose from biomass materials while maintaining solvent stability, allowing for efficient regeneration, derivatization, or conversion of cellulose, and enables recycling of the Ionic Liquid medium, enhancing the feasibility of cellulose processing.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the at least partially demineralized biomass material from step (ii) with an Ionic Liquid medium, thereby dissolving at least part of the cellulose component of the biomass material
Data Source
AI summary
A process is disclosed for dissolving the cellulose component if a cellulose-containing biomass material in an Ionic Liquid medium. The biomass material contains minerals. At least part of the minerals are removed prior to contacting the biomass material with the Ionic Liquid medium. The Ionic Liquid medium preferably is an inorganic molten salt hydrate.