Deep Eutectic Solvent Pretreatment for Lignocellulose Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lignocellulose hydrolysis are inefficient and require high energy inputs, making them costly and environmentally unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
The use of a low eutectic solvent system composed of a metal salt and glycerol for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose, which is cost-effective, green, and requires minimal equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods for lignocellulose hydrolysis are used, then the process can be completed, but the energy input is high and the efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the hydrolysis system by introducing a deep eutectic solvent system composed of metal salts (AlCl3, ZnCl2, or FeCl3) and glycerol in specific molar ratios (1:10 to 1:124). This parameter change enables hydrolysis to proceed at lower temperatures (80-120°C) and shorter times (2-4 hours) compared to conventional methods, significantly improving productivity while reducing energy input requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The deep eutectic solvent system acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates the hydrolysis reaction between lignocellulose and water. The solvent system comprises metal salts and glycerol that work together to break down lignocellulose into fermentable sugars more efficiently, mediating the transformation process and enabling higher productivity with lower energy consumption
2Productivity
If conventional hydrolysis methods are used, then the process can be completed, but the equipment requirements are complex and operation is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple filtration system using filter paper or cotton cloth to separate the deep eutectic solvent from the lignocellulose residue, eliminating the need for complex equipment such as centrifuges or distillation apparatus. This approach maintains high productivity while dramatically reducing device complexity and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the deep eutectic solvent from the reaction mixture through simple filtration, separating it from the solid lignocellulose residue. This extraction step is achieved through straightforward filtering operations rather than complex separation processes, reducing equipment requirements while maintaining efficient hydrolysis productivity
3Productivity
If conventional methods are used, then the process can be completed, but the environmental impact is negative and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using a deep eutectic solvent system made from metal salts and glycerol, which are relatively benign substances compared to conventional harsh chemicals. This parameter change enables efficient hydrolysis while reducing environmental harm, as the solvent system can be easily disposed of or degraded without causing severe environmental pollution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of using strong chemical solvents into a benefit by creating a deep eutectic solvent system that is both effective for hydrolysis and environmentally more friendly. The metal salt-glycerol combination provides the necessary chemical activity for efficient sugar production while being less harmful to the environment than traditional solvents
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 method significantly improves the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis, enhancing the conversion of lignocellulose to fermentable sugars while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose
Implementation Method 2
adding cellulase complex for a second pretreatment to obtain fermentable sugar
Implementation Method 3
extracting with a toluene-ethanol solution
Implementation Method 4
weighing a metal salt and glycerol for mixing to obtain a type IV deep eutectic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A method for lignocellulose hydrolysis is provided. The method includes: crushing an agroforestry biomass feedstock, extracting with a toluene-ethanol solution, and drying to obtain a de-extracted feedstock; weighing a metal salt and glycerol for mixing to obtain a type IV deep eutectic solvent; weighing the de-extracted feedstock and adding into the type IV deep eutectic solvent, and reacting for 2 h-4 h at a temperature of 80° C.-120° C. and a stirring speed of 300 rpm-500 rpm to obtain a pretreatment mixture; performing a solid-liquid separation to the pretreatment mixture to obtain a filter residue and a filtrate, and then drying the filter residue after washing to obtain a lignocellulose residue after pretreatment; and performing enzymatic hydrolysis reaction to the lignocellulose residue to obtain fermentable sugar.