Towards optimal selective fractionation for Nordic woody biomass using novel amine–organic superbase derived switchable ionic liquids (SILs)

Improved fractionation process conditions for wood dissolution with switchable ionic liquids (SILs) were determined. The short time, high temperature (STHT) system was introduced as a selective and efficient way to extract components from lignocellulosic material. A SIL based on monoethanol amine (MEA) and 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) formed via coupling with SO2, was applied as a solvent in a 1:3 weight ratio with water. In essence, selective dissolution of mainly lignin was achieved by means of the aqueous SIL at 160 °C (∼6.1 bar corresponding to the vapor pressure of water) in 2 h and in a pressure vessel, for both hard- and soft-wood. About 95 wt-% of wood lignin was extracted. The dissolved components in the spent SIL were recovered by the addition of an anti-solvent whereupon over 70% of the dissolved components were recovered; the recovered fraction contained 19 wt-% hemicellulose while the rest of the material was in essence lignin. The non-dissolved, fluffy material contained ∼70 wt-% cellulose and ∼20 wt-% hemicellulose – a consistency resembling that of Kraft pulp.