Three wood species, eucalyptus grandis, southern pine and Norway spruce were pre-treated by dissolution in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([AMIM]Cl). The wood was regenerated from the ionic liquid in high yield and the recycling of the ionic liquid was nearly quantitative. The lignin contents and the efficiencies of cellulase enzymatic hydrolyses of the regenerated wood were examined offering an understanding into the IL pre-treatment efficiency. The components that remained within the recycled ILs were qualitatively characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Wood density, pulverization intensity and the nature of the regeneration non-solvents were investigated as factors affecting the overall process. An increase in the wood density decreased the efficiency of the pre-treatment, while extended pulverization periods decreased the yield of the regenerated wood after the IaL pre-treatment with more glucose being released during the enzymatic hydrolysis.

Factors affecting dissolution and regeneration of wood in ionic liquids

239th National Meeting (2010)

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