(325f) Characterization of Process-Relevant Operating Conditions for Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide Pretreatment of Switchgrass

Alkali and oxidative treatments of lignocellulose are well-established in chemical pulping and bleaching. However, their application for pretreatment technologies optimized for liberating carbohydrates as a substrate for biofuels production is different in several regards and requires further research before they can be used in cellulosic biofuels processes. This work will present research results that characterize the efficacy of alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment with regard to several process requirements that include quantifying the consumption of alkali and hydrogen peroxide during pretreatment, determining the potential inhibition of downstream hydrolysis and fermentation processes, investigating the potential separation of hemicellulose from hydrolyzate liquor ,and investigating the impact of Fenton's chemistry on the selectivity of lignin vs carbohydrate oxidation and its effect on enzyme digestibility.