Pretreatment Liquefies Biomass into a Fermentable Slurry
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method that overcomes some of these shortcomings by using an organic molecule as a catalyst to liquefy semisolid lignocellulosic biomass into a low viscosity, fermentable slurry, allowing it to be readily processed through pumps, heat exchangers, and induces turbulence to enable good transfer of heat and mass in the process. The slurry reduces the cost of converting liquefied cellulose to high yields of ethanol because it has enhanced reactivity and allows conversion without the need of enzymes.
Liquefies semisolid lignocellulosic biomass into a fermentable slurry Does not require expensive enzymes for liquefaction Enhances reactivity to convert cellulose into marketable ethanol fuel Reduced cost
Processing lignocellulosic biomass feedstock Alternative biomass utilization processes Production of ethanol or other substances from fermentation
Michael LadischPurdue Agricultural and Biological EngineeringLORRE Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering
United States
9,359,619
USA
