Liberation of Cellulose from the Lignin Cage: A Catalytic Pretreatment Method for the Production of Cellulosic Ethanol

Abstract

Catalytic pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials with a copper(II) phenanthroline catalyst is an efficient and selective method for the isolation of cellulose. The method loosens the wood matrix and liberates cellulose with high yields. The use of a catalyst, water as solvent, and oxygen as oxidant make this process a promising and sustainable method to obtain biofuels. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.