Catalytic biomass conversion
US9388251B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD21C11/0007
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A biorefining method of processing a lignocellulosic biomass to separate lignin and hemicellulose from cellulose includes the steps of (a) reacting the biomass in an aqueous slurry having a pH less than 7, comprising a transition metal catalyst, hydrogen peroxide; and (b) separating a solid cellulose fraction from dissolved lignin and hemicellulose fractions. The method may also be used to treat cellulose and produce microcrystalline or nanocrystalline cellulose. The transition metal catalyst may be a nanoparticulate catalyst including multivalent iron, iron oxides and iron hydroxides. The nanoparticulate catalyst may be formed by oxidizing a highly reduced solution of iron, such as groundwater that has not been exposed to oxygen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.