CHLORINE DIOXIDE TREATMENT OF BIOMASS FEEDSTOCK
First Claim
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1. A process for treating a lignocellulosic feedstock wherein the process comprises:
- (a) contacting the feedstock with a solution comprising chlorine dioxide, ethanol, and water to form a mixture;
(b) heating the mixture at a temperature and time sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising (1) a first solid portion comprising cellulose which is suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis, (2) a second solid portion comprising lignin or a derivative thereof, and (3) a solution comprising hemicellulose.
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Abstract
The instant invention pertains to the use of chlorine dioxide in new processes for treating lignocellulosic feedstocks, as well as, new compositions suitable for, for example, bioalcohol production. Advantageously, the processes and compositions of the present invention may be used in more environmentally friendly, cost-efficient production of fuels and, if desired, may be coupled with other biomass processing facilities such as Kraft pulp bleaching mills.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A process for treating a lignocellulosic feedstock wherein the process comprises:
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(a) contacting the feedstock with a solution comprising chlorine dioxide, ethanol, and water to form a mixture; (b) heating the mixture at a temperature and time sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising (1) a first solid portion comprising cellulose which is suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis, (2) a second solid portion comprising lignin or a derivative thereof, and (3) a solution comprising hemicellulose. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A composition comprising a lignocellulosic feedstock and a solution comprising chlorine dioxide, ethanol, and water wherein the composition is characterized by (1) a ratio of feedstock to solution comprising chlorine dioxide and water of from about 1:
- 3 to about 1;
10; and
(2) an amount of chlorine dioxide of from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight based on the total dry weight of dry feedstock. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
- 3 to about 1;
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20. A process for treating a lignocellulosic feedstock wherein the process comprises:
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(a) contacting the feedstock with a solution comprising chlorine dioxide, ethanol, and water to form a mixture, wherein the ratio of feedstock to solution comprising chlorine dioxide, ethanol, and water is from about 1;
3 to about 1;
10, wherein the amount of ethanol is from about 40 to about 80 weight percent based on the total amount of ethanol and water, and wherein the amount of chlorine dioxide is from about 0.5% to about 8% by weight based on the total dry weight of feedstock;(b) heating the mixture at a temperature of at least about 180°
C. for at least about 5 minutes to produce a composition mixture comprising (1) a first solid portion comprising cellulose which is suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis, (2) a second solid portion comprising lignin or a derivative thereof, and (3) a solution comprising hemicellulose;(c) separating the second solid portion comprising lignin or a derivative thereof from the solid first portion; (d) enzymatically hydrolyzing at least part of the solid first portion to form a composition comprising glucose; and (e) fermenting the composition comprising glucose.
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Specification