Selection and optimization of a suitable pretreatment method for miscanthus and poplar raw material

Miscanthus and poplar are very promising second-generation feedstocks due to the high growth rates and low nutrient demand. The aim of the study was to develop a systematic approach for choosing suitable pretreatment methods evaluated with the modified severity factor (log R"0). Optimal pretreatment results in a high delignification grade, low cellulose solubilization and increased accessibility for enzymatic hydrolysis while revealing minimal log R"0 values. In order to do so, several reaction approaches were compared. Acid-catalyzed organosolv processing carried out for miscanthus and poplar revealed the highest delignification grade leading to a relatively high glucose yield after enzymatic saccharification. In both cases, a design of experiments approach was used to study the influence of relevant parameters. Modeling the data resulted in the identification of optimum pretreatment conditions for miscanthus with concentrations of 0.16% H2SO4 and 50% EtOH at 185°C for a retention time of 60 min. Experimental validation of these conditions revealed an even higher delignification degree (88%) and glucose yield (85%) than predicted. 0.19% H2SO4 and 50% EtOH were determined as optimum concentrations, 182°C and 48 min identified as optimum pretreatment conditions for poplar; the delignification degree was 84% and the resulting glucose yield 70%.