Depolymerization of Cellulose Assisted by a Nonthermal Atmospheric Plasma

Abstract

Biomass breakdown: The reactivity of recalcitrant cellulose towards hydrolysis is enhanced by pretreatment with a nonthermal atmospheric plasma. Glucose was produced in up to 25 wt % yield from microcrystalline cellulose and α-cellulose (see picture). This technology is also applicable to the deconstruction of starch and inulin.