Deconstructing fast growing biomass: grass, agricultural residues and eucalyptus bark

Lignocellulosic non-wood biomass was treated in highly diluted, aqueous Switchable Ionic Liquid (SIL) system derived from an alkanol amine (Monoethanol Amine, MEA), an organic superbase (1,8-diazabicyclo- [5.4.0]-undec-7-ene, DBU) and ‘switched’ by SO2. Herein the aim was to demonstrate the power of SIL treatment on non-wood biomass as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient approach. The primary fraction obtained upon hydrated SIL fractionation process contains hemicelluloses as well as cellulose-rich pulp with very low lignin content. Also, a simple model was used to describe the weight loss obtained for the treated wood. The chemical analysis results revealed that substantial removal of lignin occurred which is consistent with results of SIL treatment of wood. The endeavor was to assess the potential of this type of poorly explored biomass types as a source of potentially valuable raw materials.