Process intensification of the ionoSolv pretreatment: effects of biomass loading, particle size and scale-up from 10 mL to 1 L

Abstract The ionoSolv process is one of the most promising technologies for biomass pretreatment in a biorefinery context. In order to evaluate transition from bench-scale experiments commercial scale, there need get better insight intensification. this work, effects loading, particle size, pulp washing protocols and 100-fold scale up grassy Miscanthus giganteus with IL triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate, [TEA][HSO 4 ], are presented as necessary step that direction. At bench increasing loading 10 50 wt% reduced glucose yields 68 23% due re-precipitation lignin onto surface. Omitting air-drying maintained saccharification at 66% fiber hornification. scale-up (from mL 1 L) improved efficacy loadings 20 reprecipitation led higher heat mass transfer caused by efficient slurry mixing reactor. Pretreatment sizes 1–3 mm was more effective than fine powders (0.18–0.85 mm) giving surface area available while reducing grinding energy needs. Stirred showed great potential industrialization further intensification after optimization conditions (temperature, residence time, stirring speed), size loading. Pulp improvement reduce incidence precipitation water requirements washing.