Ionic Liquid Dissolving Cellulose Without Enzymes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dissolving cellulose often require cellulose-degrading enzymes, which are not always efficient and may not dissolve cellulose within a reasonable time frame without specific conditions.
Innovation Solution
An ionic liquid composition represented by the chemical formula [(CH3)3N(CH2)2OH]+[NH2-L-COO]−, where L is —(CH2)2— or —(CH2)3—, is used to dissolve cellulose without the need for cellulose-degrading enzymes, with a molar ratio of [(CH3)3N(CH2)2OH]+ to [NH2-L-COO]− between 0.86 and 1.12 and a water weight ratio not exceeding 4.7%, allowing for effective cellulose dissolution within 48 hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cellulose-degrading enzymes are used to dissolve cellulose, then cellulose can be hydrolyzed and dissolved, but the process requires specific conditions and may not dissolve cellulose within a reasonable time frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dissolution system by using ionic liquids with specific cation-anion combinations (choline cation with amino acid anions like alanine, lysine, threonine, isoleucine, asparagine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, methionine, leucine, or ornithine). This chemical parameter change enables cellulose dissolution without enzymes and within a reasonable time frame, directly resolving the contradiction between dissolution effectiveness and time requirement
2Productivity
If conventional ionic liquids are used for cellulose dissolution, then some dissolution capability is achieved, but the dissolution efficiency is insufficient and may require enzymes or extended time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific amino acid anions with particular functional groups (carboxyl, amino, hydroxyl groups) that create localized chemical environments optimal for cellulose interaction. This specific local chemical composition within the ionic liquid provides both high dissolution efficiency and reliable consistent performance without requiring enzymes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite ionic liquid systems by combining choline cations with specific amino acid anions to form a composite material with enhanced properties. This composite structure integrates the benefits of both components, achieving superior cellulose dissolution efficiency and reliability compared to conventional ionic liquids
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
The ionic liquid composition effectively dissolves cellulose within 48 hours, with optimal conditions achieving dissolution in as little as 24 hours, without the use of cellulose-degrading enzymes, and can form cellulose films, demonstrating improved solubility and processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an ionic liquid capable of dissolving cellulose without an cellulose-degrading enzyme
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an ionic liquid represented by the following chemical formula (I):[(CH3)3N(CH2)2OH]+[NH2-L-COO]− (I)where L is —(CH2)2— or —(CH2)3—.The present invention also provides an ionic liquid composition containing an ionic liquid; and water. The ionic liquid is represented by the above chemical formula (I). A molar ratio of [(CH3)3N(CH2)2OH]+ to [NH2-L-COO]− is not less than 0.86 and not more than 1.12. A weight ratio of the water to the ionic liquid composition is not more than 4.7%. The present invention provides an ionic liquid capable of dissolving cellulose without an cellulose-degrading enzyme (namely, an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing cellulose).