Biomass hydrolysis acid catalysis

In almost all organosolv processes, chemical catalysis plays a necessary role, as solvents alone do not function effectively for the separation of biomass.403 The most commonly employed processes, based on the treatment of biomass with aqueous alcohols at elevated temperatures, are autocatalyzed. Acetic acid is generated during the separation process through hydrolysis of acetate groups present on the hemicellulose polymer.397,404 406 Alternatively, acid can be added to the separation medium prior to the process. Adding acid catalyst normally allows lower separation temperatures and milder conditions. Chemical catalysis has proven to be of particular importance for the... 

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