Date:November 13, 2012
Country: United States
Plants
Cellulose
Hemicellulose
Biochemicals
furfural,levulinic acid
Application
Description Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a novel biomass conversion process that uses gamma-valerolactone (GVL) to simultaneously process the two main components of plant biomass—hemicellulose and cellulose—into high-demand chemicals like furfural and levulinic acid. By using GVL, a solvent already produced during the conversion, the need for expensive pretreatment steps to separate hemicellulose and cellulose is eliminated. This process operates efficiently in a single reactor
Pathway Description: The process used in this project involves the use of gamma-valerolactone (GVL) as a solvent to simultaneously convert hemicellulose and cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass into valuable chemicals, such as furfural and levulinic acid. GVL broadens the optimal conditions for processing both components, allowing them to be processed in a single reactor
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Tags: GVL-based Biomass ConversionBiomass Conversion for Sustainable BiofuelsLevulinic Acid Production from biomassFurfural production from biomass
Biochemicals
furfural,levulinic acid
Types of Feedstock
Secondary agricultural residue
Name
Lignocellulosic Biomass
Form
Solid fibrous material
Commercials
Low-cost raw materials available globally
Logistics
Collection from agricultural and forestry operations
Characteristics
High content of hemicellulose and cellulose
Chemical
Gamma-Valerolactone (GVL)-catalyzed biomass conversion
Educational Institution
University of Wisconsin-Madison