Sugar Extraction from Ionic Liquids via Alkaline Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting lignocellulosic biomass to sugars are inefficient due to the recalcitrant nature of biomass and the challenges of separating and recovering sugars from ionic liquids (ILs) used in pretreatment processes, which require large amounts of water and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of ionic liquids to solubilize lignocellulosic materials, followed by acidic hydrolysis and subsequent treatment with an alkaline solution to form a biphasic system, allowing for the efficient extraction and recovery of sugars in a single step, with the ionic liquid phase being essentially free of sugar monomers and the second phase containing monosaccharides, which can be further neutralized and desalinated for fermentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional IL pretreatment is used to solubilize biomass, then biomass conversion to sugars is improved, but sugar recovery from aqueous IL becomes difficult and requires large amounts of water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameter of the aqueous phase from neutral/acidic to alkaline (pH 10-13) to induce phase separation. This parameter change causes the ionic liquid to preferentially partition into the organic phase, leaving sugars in the aqueous phase, thereby enabling simple decantation separation without complex recovery processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes liquid-liquid phase separation by adjusting pH to create two distinct phases: an ionic liquid-rich organic phase and an aqueous sugar-rich phase. This phase transition enables clean separation of sugars from ionic liquid through simple decantation, eliminating the need for complex recovery processes.
2Productivity
If 100% IL is used as pretreatment medium, then biomass solubilization is improved, but water consumption increases significantly for washing out residue IL
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameter to trigger selective partitioning of ionic liquid into the organic phase. This allows minimal water to be used in the process, as the phase separation occurs without requiring large volumes of water for washing, thus reducing water consumption while maintaining effective biomass solubilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs liquid-liquid phase separation where ionic liquid preferentially partitions into the organic phase at alkaline pH. This phase transition enables the system to process biomass with minimal water addition, as the ionic liquid self-separates from the aqueous sugar phase without requiring extensive water washing.
3Productivity
If acid catalysis is used to hydrolyze biomass in IL, then sugar production is improved, but separation of sugars from aqueous IL becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameter from acidic (used during hydrolysis) to alkaline (for separation). This parameter change reverses the solubility characteristics, causing ionic liquid to partition into the organic phase while leaving sugars in the aqueous phase, thereby enabling easy separation through decantation after sugar production is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pH-induced phase separation where the system transitions from a homogeneous acidic hydrolysis mixture to a biphasic alkaline separation system. This phase transition enables clean separation of sugars from ionic liquid without requiring complex separation processes, as the ionic liquid naturally partitions into the organic phase.
4Ease of repair
If conventional washing methods are used to recover IL, then IL recycling is improved, but process cost increases due to high water and energy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameter to enable passive phase separation of ionic liquid into the organic phase. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive washing and distillation processes, as the ionic liquid self-separates from the aqueous phase through density-driven decantation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective IL recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pH-induced liquid-liquid phase separation that enables simple decantation recovery of ionic liquid. This phase transition replaces complex energy-intensive separation methods (such as distillation or extensive washing), allowing IL recycling through straightforward gravitational separation, thereby reducing energy consumption and process costs.
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 enables the efficient extraction and recovery of sugars from lignocellulosic materials without enzymes, allowing for the recycling of ionic liquids and the production of fermentable monomeric sugars, enhancing the cost competitiveness and sustainability of biofuel production.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the aqueous solution of sugar monomers and the ionic liquid with an aqueous alkaline solution to form a biphasic system which comprises an ionic liquid phase essentially free of sugar monomers and a second liquid phase comprising a monosaccharide
Implementation Method 2
contacting the aqueous solution of sugar monomers and the ionic liquid with an aqueous alkaline solution to form a biphasic system which comprises an ionic liquid phase essentially free of sugar monomers and a second liquid phase comprising a monosaccharide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for obtaining a monosaccharide from a lignocellulosic material in a form suitable for use as a carbon source in a reaction. In some embodiments, the monosaccharide is in a form suitable for use in a fermentation reaction, e.g., to produce an alcohol such as ethanol.