Lignocellulose Hydrolysis

Sources of lignocellulose materials suitable for conversion into chemical feedstocks are reviewed and the chemical nature of the cellulosic, hemicellulosic and lignin components examined. Pulping and analytical methods of separation are discussed and a consideration is made of the potential products from lignocellulosic sources. Recent work with dilute sulphuric acid treatment is described and particular attention is given to recent developments in the uses of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid for hydrolysis processes. The nature of the cellulase enzyme system is explored and current reports on the mechanisms involved in this multiple-substrate-multiple-enzyme reaction system are reviewed. Various aspects of size reduction and chemical pretreatment are described and a process scheme is outlined. A brief discussion of the recent developments in the kinetic models for this complex reaction sequence is included.