Lignocellulosic Hydrolysate Oxidation for Sugar Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes for extracting and purifying sugars from wood hydrolysates are hindered by the presence of furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and polymerized compounds, leading to equipment deposits and purification challenges, which obstruct the industrialization of sugar valorization from hemicelluloses.

Innovation Solution

A process involving oxidation of lignocellulosic hydrolyzates with oxidants like hydrogen peroxide or ozone at temperatures between 20 and 100°C reduces the molecular weight and quantity of polymers and furfural derivatives without degrading sugars, facilitating easy purification and valorization of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional purification methods are used on wood hydrolysates, then sugar extraction is attempted, but equipment deposits form and purification becomes difficult due to furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and polymerized compounds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesugar extraction efficiencyVSAvoidpurification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary oxidation treatment to the hydrolysate before sugar purification. By oxidizing furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural compounds in advance, the process prevents these substances from causing equipment deposits and purification difficulties during subsequent sugar extraction steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts harmful furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural compounds into beneficial oxidation products. Through controlled oxidation, these problematic substances that cause deposits are transformed into compounds that are easier to remove, thereby improving the overall purification process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Manufacturing precision

If high temperature treatment is applied to hydrolysates, then polymer degradation occurs, but sugar degradation also increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymer molecular weight controlVSAvoidsugar degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature to moderate temperature (20-100°C) for oxidation treatment. This parameter modification allows sufficient polymer degradation and furfural oxidation while preventing excessive sugar degradation that would occur at higher temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses strong oxidants to accelerate the oxidation process at moderate temperatures. This enables effective degradation of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural compounds without requiring high temperatures that would cause sugar degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 reduces the molecular weight and quantity of polymers and furfural derivatives, enabling the easy separation and purification of sugars, thus valorizing hemicellulose sugars without compromising the papermaking process for cellulose production.

Implementation Method 1

A process involving oxidation of lignocellulosic hydrolyzates with oxidants like hydrogen peroxide or ozone at temperatures between 20 and 100°C reduces the molecular weight and quantity of polymers and furfural derivatives

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

oxidation of lignocellulosic hydrolyzates with oxidants like hydrogen peroxide or ozone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 3

oxidation of lignocellulosic hydrolyzates with oxidants like hydrogen peroxide or ozone at temperatures between 20 and 100°C reduces the molecular weight and quantity of polymers and furfural derivatives

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3419984B1Process for the preparation of a mixture of monosaccharides and/or oligosaccharides and/or polysaccharides by purification of a hydrolysate of lignocellulosic materials
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 INSTITUT NAT POLYTECHN DE GRENOBLE
  • EP3419984B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3419984B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The field of this invention is that of recycling sugars from the by-products of the paper and cellulose industries and lignocellulosic biorefineries. The aim of the invention is to facilitate extraction and purification of sugars contained in wood hydrolysates. To this end, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a monosaccharide and/or oligosaccharide and/or polysaccharide mixture by purifying a lignocellulosic material hydrolysate. Said hydrolysate includes hemicelluloses in the form of monomers, oligomers, and optionally polymers, and said method includes at least one step of oxidizing said hydrolysate using at least one oxidant. Said method makes it possible to obtain a monosaccharide and/or oligosaccharide and/or polysaccharide mixture having a low amount of furfural and/or hydroxymethylfurfural and including polymers having a low molecular mass in weight and/or in number.