Deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass with ionic liquids

May combine two claims.

The overall trend is that a higher temperature or a longer treatment time results in more lignin and hemicellulose removal.

“The overall trend is that a higher temperature or a longer treatment time results in more lignin and hemicellulose removal.”

May combine two claims.

Lignin removal was reported to be between 17% and 65%, while hemicellulose removal varied between 0% and 83%.

“Lignin removal was reported to be between 17% and 65%, while hemicellulose removal varied between 0% and 83%.”

May combine two claims.

An increase of the water content in the system appears to lead to less delignification and lower subsequent saccharification yields.

“An increase of the water content in the system appears to lead to less delignification (and also to lower subsequent saccharification yields).55”

• cites [55] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ohno and co-workers reported rapid dissolution (5 min) of 15 wt% cellulose in aqueous solutions of tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide containing 40-50% water by weight at room temperature.

“Interestingly, Ohno and co-workers recently reported the rapid dissolution (5 min) of 15 wt% cellulose in aqueous solutions of tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide, [(C 4 ) 4 P]OH, and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, [(C 4 ) 4 N]OH, containing 40-50% water by weight at room temperature.102”

• cites [102] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Lignin solubility seems strongly affected by the choice of anion, although hydrogen-bond basicity does not need to be as high as for cellulose; some mid-range basic ionic liquids seem to be better solvents for lignin than their more hydrogen-bond basic relatives.

“As with cellulose, the solubility seems to be strongly affected by the choice of anion, although hydrogen-bond basicity does not need to be as high as for cellulose; some mid-range basic ionic liquids seem to be better solvents for lignin than their more hydrogen-bond basic relatives (Fig. 19).”

May combine two claims.

Wu et al. increased biomass loading stepwise from 4.8 wt% to 50 wt% for [C2C1im][MeCO2] at 125 °C for 1 h and observed that lignin removal decreased substantially from 44% to 8%.

“They increased the loading stepwise from 4.8 wt% up to 50 wt% for [C 2 C 1 im]-[MeCO 2 ] at 125 °C for 1 h and observed that lignin removal decreased substantially from 44% to 8%.123a”

• cites 123aNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Reported delignification and hemicellulose removal for chloride based ionic liquids are significantly lower than achieved with other ionic liquids under the conditions applied, coupled with very low glucose yields after enzymatic saccharification.

“The reported delignification and hemicellulose removal are significantly lower than achieved with other ionic liquids under the conditions applied.These were coupled with very low glucose yields after enzymatic saccharification.”

May combine two claims.

Decomposition of [C2C1im][MeCO2] is much slower at 60 °C below Tonset, but still detectable.

“The decomposition is much slower at 60 °C below T onset , but still detectable (Fig. 26).”

May combine two claims.

[C2C1im]Cl and [C4C1im]Cl are long-term stable at 120 °C and show signs of decomposition at 140 °C.

“[C 2 C 1 im]Cl and [C 4 C 1 im]Cl are longterm stable at 120 °C and show signs of decomposition at 140 °C.176”

• cites [176] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The type of both cation and anion influences the temperature of decomposition of ionic liquids, with a strong effect of the anion.

“It has been found that the type of both cation and anion influences the temperature of decomposition, 169 but there is a strong effect of the anion.”

• cites [169] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Tonset is only an indicator of ionic liquid stability under process conditions, because significant mass loss occurs below Tonset.

“If the stability of an ionic liquid under process conditions is of interest, T onset is only an indicator, as significant mass loss occurs below T onset (Fig. 26).170”

• cites [170] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Methanesulfonate based ionic liquids [C2C1im][MeSO3] and [C4C1im][MeSO3] are stable at 140 °C and only slowly degrade at 200 °C.

“The same study showed methanesulfonate based ionic liquids [C 2 C 1 im][MeSO 3 ] and [C 4 C 1 im][MeSO 3 ] to be stable at 140 °C and to only slowly degrade at 200 °C.”

• cites [176] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

An increase of the amount of recovered pulp was observed after the 4th cycle; the lignin content in the recovered solid remained constant over the course of the experiment.

“An increase of the amount of recovered pulp was observed after the 4th cycle; the lignin content in the recovered solid remained constant over the course of the experiment.”

• cites [140] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Brandt et al. detected varying amounts of monomeric hemicellulose and furfurals in liquors of [C4C1im][MeSO4], [C4C1im][HSO4] and [C4C1im][MeSO3] after treatment of Miscanthus with fresh ionic liquid, the quantities detected depending on the ionic liquid acidity and the treatment length.

“Brandt et al. detected varying amounts of monomeric hemicellulose and furfurals in liquors of [C 4 C 1 im][MeSO 4 ], [C 4 C 1 im][HSO 4 ] and [C 4 C 1 im][MeSO 3 ] after treatment of Miscanthus with fresh ionic liquid, the quantities detected depending on the ionic liquid acidity and the treatment length.55”

• cites [55] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Wu et al. reused [C2C1im][MeCO2] 10 times at 4.8 wt% corn stover loading at 125 °C; the saccharification yield was unaffected, as was the decrystallisation of the cellulose, but less lignin was extracted in the last cycle compared to the first one (44% reduced to 20%).

“Wu et al. reused [C 2 C 1 im][MeCO 2 ] 10 times at 4.8 wt% corn stover loading at 125 °C.The saccharification yield was unaffected, as was the decrystallisation of the cellulose, but less lignin was extracted in the last cycle compared to the first one (44% reduced to 20%).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Francisco et al. found that adsorption of glucose onto zeolites from ionic liquid water mixtures and subsequent desorption into water could be used for removing sugars from the ionic liquid liquor.

“Francisco et al. found that adsorption of glucose onto zeolites from ionic liquid water mixtures and subsequent desorption into water could be used for removing sugars from the ionic liquid liquor.180”

• cites [180] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Lan et al. fractionated bagasse into cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin four times with the same batch of [C4C1im]Cl; the delignification efficiency dropped slightly, the saccharification yield was not investigated.

“Lan et al. fractionated bagasse into cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin four times with the same batch of [C 4 C 1 im]Cl.178 The delignification efficiency dropped slightly, the saccharification yield was not investigated.”

• cites [178]Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Most studies in the ionic liquid pretreatment field use finely milled biomass for their experiments, due to pronounced particle size effects on the solubilisation.

“Most studies in the ionic liquid pretreatment field use finely milled biomass for their experiments, due to pronounced particle size effects on the solubilisation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Brennan et al. devised an extraction method for glucose and xylose recovery from [C2C1im][MeCO2] using boronates such as naphthalene-2-boronate.

“Brennan et al. have devised an extraction method for glucose and xylose recovery from [C 2 C 1 im][MeCO 2 ] using boronates such as naphthalene-2-boronate.”

• cites [182] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Shill et al. attempted to lower the energy use for drying the ionic liquid after dissolution of Miscanthus by re-concentrating diluted ionic liquids with K3PO4, but saw a negative effect on saccharification yields after reuse.

“Shill et al. have attempted to lower the energy use for drying the ionic liquid after dissolution of Miscanthus by re-concentrating diluted ionic liquids with the inorganic salt potassium phosphate (K 3 PO 4 ), but saw a negative effect on saccharification yields after reuse.181”

• cites [181] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Viell and Marquardt reported the breaking up of air-dried beech wood chips into individual cell walls under dissolving conditions; this was accomplished by vigorous stirring for 2 h.

“As an alternative, Viell and Marquardt reported the breaking up of air-dried beech wood chips into individual cell walls under dissolving conditions; 116 this was accomplished by vigorous stirring for 2 h.”

• cites [116] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The non-baseline power consumption for grinding pine chips was significantly reduced (up to 75%), while a finer powder was obtained, by adding the ionic liquid before the grinding.

“The non-baseline power consumption for grinding pine chips was significantly reduced (up to 75%), while a finer powder was obtained, by adding the ionic liquid before the grinding.187”

• cites [187] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

No reported work has considered the direct use of the filtrate solution.

“No reported work has considered the direct use of this solution.”

May combine two claims.

An advantage of the Dissolution Process is the recovery of the majority of the hemicelluloses with the pulp, although along with some lignin, as the delignification in this process is not complete.

“An advantage of the Dissolution Process is the recovery of the majority of the hemicelluloses with the pulp, although along with some lignin, as the delignification in this process is not complete.109,136”

• cites [109] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [136] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Cellulose has extremely low water solubility, and the water content of acetate and chloride based ionic liquids has been observed to have the single greatest impact on the cellulose solubility.

“Cellulose has extremely low water solubility, and the water content of acetate and chloride based ionic liquids has been observed to have the single greatest impact on the cellulose solubility.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

One case of deconstruction of corn stover with an [C2C1im][MeCO2]/N-methylpyrrolidone mixture has been reported.

“One case of deconstruction of corn stover with an [C 2 C 1 im]-[MeCO 2 ]/N-methylpyrrolidone mixture has been reported.193”

• cites [193] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The pretreatment in the Dissolution Process is typically conducted by heating the biomass-ionic liquid mixture to 90-160 °C for 3-16 hours, at which point the majority (or entirety) of the biomass is dissolved in the ionic liquid and partial lignin and hemicellulose removal from the lignocellulose has occurred.

“The pretreatment is typically conducted by heating the biomass-ionic liquid mixture to 90-160 °C for 3-16 hours, at which point the majority (or entirety) of the biomass is dissolved in the ionic liquid and partial lignin and hemicellulose removal from the lignocellulose has occurred.”

May combine two claims.

While disruption of the lignin and hemicellulose network is a prerequisite for enzymatic saccharification to occur to a significant extent, the changed crystallinity of the cellulose also has a measurable positive impact on the speed of saccharification.

“While the latter is a prerequisite for enzymatic saccharification to occur to significant extent, the changed crystallinity of the cellulose also has a measurable positive impact on the speed of saccharification.76a”

• cites 76aNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Some ionic liquids with protic cations may not be applicable in the Dissolution Process due to their increased hydrogen-bond acidity, although others have been shown to be good cellulose solvents.

“Unfortunately, some ionic liquids with protic cations may not be applicable in the Dissolution Process due to their increased hydrogen-bond acidity, although others have been shown to be good cellulose solvents.78b”

• cites 78bNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the studies of lignin and hemicellulose removal by [C2C1im][MeCO2] compiled in Table 5, the biomass loading was in the range of 5-8%.

“The biomass loading in these studies was in the range of 5-8%.”

May combine two claims.

The ionic liquid cation was identified as the main cause of cell toxicity, as control experiments with inorganic acetate and chloride salts did not lead to the same level of inhibition.

“The ionic liquid cation was identified as the main cause of cell toxicity, as control experiments with inorganic acetate and chloride salts did not lead to the same level of inhibition.”

• cites [188] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Utilisation of lignin is highly desirable for the economic viability of any future biorefinery.

“In addition, the utilisation of the non-carbohydrate fraction, lignin, 9 is highly desirable for the economic viability of any future biorefinery.”

• cites [9] sourceNot checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

An additional deconstruction step (pretreatment) is required to bring sugar polymers into a form suitable for hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation.

“In order to access the carbohydrates in the biomass for biological conversion, an additional deconstruction step (also commonly called pretreatment or pre-treatment) is required to bring the sugar polymers into a form suitable for hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Grass lignin can usually be extracted by aqueous alkali, which is not effective on softwood.

“Grass lignin can usually be extracted by aqueous alkali, which is not effective on softwood.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Removal of lignin is usually a combination of chemical fragmentation and the ability of the liquor to solvate the modified lignin fragments.

“The removal of lignin is usually a combination of chemical fragmentation and the ability of the liquor to solvate the modified lignin fragments.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Saccharification can be catalysed by chemicals or enzymes; enzymes are usually preferred due to their higher selectivity.

“The saccharification can be catalysed by chemicals 41 or enzymes; enzymes are usually preferred due to their higher selectivity.17”

• cites [41] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [17] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ionic liquids have been investigated as solvents for the processing of biomass.

“They have found a number of industrial applications 51 and have also been investigated as solvents for the processing of biomass.10”

• cites [51] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [10] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Harsher conditions are usually required for softwood delignification and strong nucleophiles such as sulfide or sulfite ions are added to aid lignin removal and prevent lignin recondensation.

“Therefore, harsher conditions are usually required and strong nucleophiles such as sulfide (S 2-, in Kraft pulping) or sulfite ([HSO 3 ] -) ions are added to aid lignin removal and prevent lignin recondensation.34”

• cites [34] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Cellulose is the most abundant polymer in lignocellulose (35-50%).

“Cellulose is the most abundant polymer in lignocellulose (35-50%).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Varying chemical composition and structural differences between lignocellulose types affect their amenability to deconstruction.

“The varying chemical composition (e.g.lignin composition and content) and structural differences (e.g.cell wall thickness and pore size) between the lignocellulose types affects their amenability to deconstruction, therefore the effects of each lignocellulose deconstruction method should be assessed on a number of feedstocks.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The current industrially most developed lignocellulose treatment processes are in the area of paper production.

“The current industrially most developed lignocellulose treatment processes are therefore in the area of paper production.40”

• cites [40] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Hardwoods have more complex structures than softwoods, containing large water-conducting pores or vessels surrounded by narrower fibre cells.

“Hardwoods have more complex structures than softwoods, containing large waterconducting pores or vessels that are surrounded by narrower fibre cells (Fig. 13).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Hardwood lignin is made up of guaiacyl and syringyl units and the main hemicellulose sugar is xylose.

“The lignin is made up of guaiacyl and syringyl units and the main hemicellulose sugar is not mannose but xylose.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Perennial bioenergy grasses are more resistant to lignocellulose deconstruction than annual grasses such as straws.

“but they are more resistant to lignocellulose deconstruction than annual grasses such as straws.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The focus of biomass deconstruction processes is the preparation of carbohydrates (mainly cellulose) from lignocellulose in a form that can be readily metabolised by fermenting microorganisms.

“The focus of those working on biomass deconstruction processes is thus the preparation of carbohydrates (mainly cellulose) from lignocellulose in a form that can be readily metabolised by fermenting microorganisms.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Most chemical deconstruction methods modify lignin by hydrolysing its ether bonds, but only some remove it from the pulp.

“Most chemical deconstruction methods modify lignin by hydrolysing its ether bonds, but only some remove it from the pulp (e.g.Organosolv pulping, some base treatments, sulfite pretreatment and pulping, Kraft pulping).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). The quote only partly states this claim.

Direct lignin-carbohydrate complexes in softwood and hardwood are thought to be formed during lignification when hydroxyl groups of carbohydrates react with electrophilic ketone methide intermediates of growing lignin polymer chains.

“It is thought that they are formed during lignification, when hydroxyl groups of carbohydrates react with electrophilic ketone methide intermediates of the growing lignin polymer chains.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Significant instability of the NMO/cellulose solution above 90 °C and redox activity of the NMO have been viewed as problems.

“Nevertheless, significant instability of the NMO/cellulose solution above 90 °C and redox activity of the NMO have been viewed as problems, 67 which could be addressed by the use of more stable cellulose dissolving ionic liquids.”

• cites [67] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

To gain access to cellulose, the lignin-hemicellulose shield must be broken up, usually by a chemical method at elevated temperature and often also elevated pressure.

“To gain access to the cellulose the lignin-hemicellulose shield must be broken up (Fig. 15), usually by a chemical method at elevated temperature and often also elevated pressure.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

During lignification, ferulic acid's aromatic ring can be incorporated into the growing lignin network by participating in radical polymerisation.

“During lignification, its aromatic ring can be incorporated into the growing lignin network by participating in the radical polymerisation reaction.29”

• cites [29] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The ordering of regenerated cellulose is reduced compared to the initial state and it is transformed into cellulose II.

“The ordering of the regenerated cellulose is reduced compared to the initial state and it is transformed into cellulose II.75,76”

• cites [75] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [76] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

1-ethylpyridiniumchloride, [C2pyr]Cl, can dissolve cellulose.

“It has been known for some time that 1-ethylpyridiniumchloride, [C 2 pyr]Cl, can dissolve cellulose.68”

• cites [68] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The Viscose process uses toxic and highly flammable CS2 and produces large amounts of waste products, which has fuelled the search for a more benign replacement.

“This process uses toxic and highly flammable CS 2 and produces large amounts of waste products, which has fuelled the search for a more benign replacement.”

• cites [65] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Straws are usually, of all feedstocks, the least resistant to deconstruction.

“Straws are usually, of all feedstocks, the least resistant to deconstruction.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The Lyocell process is a true dissolution process using NMO and an improvement in terms of health and environmental impact.

“The Lyocell process is a true dissolution process using NMO and an improvement in terms of health and environmental impact.66”

• cites [66] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Perennial bioenergy grasses such as Miscanthus and switchgrass can achieve high yields per area of land and year.

“Perennial bioenergy grasses such as Miscanthus and switchgrass have the advantage that high yields per area of land and year can be achieved.”

• cites [38] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Only a few solvents are able to dissolve crystalline cellulose fibrils, e.g. NMO or concentrated phosphoric acid, none of which are applied in lignocellulose processing.

“Only a few solvents are able to dissolve the crystalline polymer fibrils, e.g.N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) 63 or concentrated phosphoric acid, 64 none of which are applied in lignocellulose processing.”

• cites [63] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [64] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Cellulose dissolution is an industrially attractive application of ionic liquids due to good solubilities (5-20 wt%, depending on ionic liquid and conditions), competitive properties of regenerated cellulose, increased stability of ionic liquid cellulose solutions, and low toxicity of certain relevant ionic liquids.

“Cellulose dissolution is an industrially attractive application of ionic liquids, due to good solubilities (5-20 wt%, depending on the ionic liquid and the conditions), the competitive properties of cellulose reprecipitated from the ionic liquid solutions, 73 the increased stability of ionic liquid cellulose solutions 74 and the low toxicity of certain relevant ionic liquids (for example, [C 2 C 1”

• cites [73] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [74] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Virtually all pretreatment options induce chemical changes in both hemicellulose and lignin, while cellulose usually remains largely chemically unchanged.

“Virtually all pretreatment options induce chemical changes in both hemicellulose and lignin, for example polymer fragmentation, chemical transformation or functionalization, while the cellulose usually remains largely chemically unchanged (NB: structural modifications of cellulose have been observed).”

• cites [76] sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

The empirical Kamlet-Taft model and the quantum mechanical COSMO-RS model have been used most frequently to predict or explain the solubility of cellulose (and other biopolymers) in ionic liquids, while few literature data exist for Hansen solubility parameters of ionic liquids.

“The empirical Kamlet-Taft model 69c,d and the quantum mechanical COSMO-RS model 88 have been used most frequently to predict or explain the solubility of cellulose (and other biopolymers) in ionic liquids, while few literature data exist for Hansen solubility parameters of ionic liquids.89”

• cites 69c,dNot checked yet

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• cites [88] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [89] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Several empirical and semi-empirical polarity scales have been used to explain and predict solubility of biomolecules and biopolymers in solvents, for example Hansen solubility parameters, COSMO-RS and Kamlet-Taft polarity parameters.

“Several empirical and semi-empirical polarity scales have been used to explain and predict solubility of biomolecules and biopolymers in solvents, for example the Hansen solubility parameters, 21,85 COSMO-RS 86 and the Kamlet-Taft polarity parameters.87”

• cites [21] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [85] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [86] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [87] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

More strongly hydrogen bond-basic anions (Cl-, Br-, [HSO4]-) resulted in higher yields of β-O-4 cleavage products than weakly basic anions, as well as in different routes.

“More strongly hydrogen bond-basic anions (Cl -, Br -and [HSO 4 ] -) resulted in higher yields of the cleavage products than weakly basic anions, as well as in different routes.”

• cites [142] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The functional group of the anion determined the effect on lignin fragmentation rather than its size, while the cation did not play a significant role.

“The functional group of the anion determined the effect rather than its size, while the cation did not play a significant role.”

• cites [134] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The main product of Organosolv beech lignin oxidation in ionic liquids was 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone; vanillin, syringaldehyde and other less abundant oxidised aromatic fragments were also identified.

“The main product was 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone; vanillin, syringaldehyde and other less abundant oxidised aromatic fragments were also identified.”

• cites [143] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Recovery of only around 50% of bagasse feedstock and production of a pulp highly enriched in cellulose suggests that removal of both lignin and hemicellulose is considerable with [C2C1im][ABS].

“However, recovery of only around 50% of the bagasse feedstock and production of a pulp that appears to be highly enriched in cellulose suggests that removal of both lignin and hemicellulose is considerable with this ionic liquid.52”

• cites [52] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Total time requirement for two-stage simultaneous dissolution/saccharification plus enzymatic saccharification was 3.5-5 h, significantly shorter than enzymatic saccharification alone but with similar selectivity.

“The total time requirement was 3.5-5 h (0.5-1 h for the dissolution/acid hydrolysis and 3-4 h for the enzymatic hydrolysis) which is significantly shorter than enzymatic saccharification alone but with a similar selectivity.”

• cites [154] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Dissolved impurities may reduce the performance of the ionic liquid in subsequent cycles.

“Other considerations are reactions of ionic liquids with the lignocellulose, which would also affect the recycling rate as well as the quality of the pulp, and dissolved impurities which may reduce the performance of the ionic liquid in subsequent cycles.”

May combine two claims.

Macroreticulated resins functionalized with sulfonic groups such as Amberlyst 15DRY are compatible with viscous solutions and sufficiently acidic for cellulose hydrolysis in ionic liquids.

“It was concluded that macroreticulated resins functionalized with sulfonic groups (-SO 3 H) such as Amberlyst 15DRY, which have a large surface area, are compatible with viscous solutions and sufficiently acidic for the reaction to occur.”

• cites [152]Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Using corn stover as substrate, Binder and Raines achieved glucose yield of 70-80% and HMF yield of 10% or less under optimised conditions.

“Using corn stover as a substrate, the yield of glucose under optimised conditions was 70-80% and the HMF yield was 10% or less.”

• cites 146aNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

In hydrolysis of cellulose in [C4C1im]Cl/NMP with water and sulfuric acid, the hydrolysis temperature was only 70 °C and the co-solvent accelerated dissolution substantially, although hydrolysis was slower.

“The hydrolysis temperature was only 70 °C and the presence of the co-solvent accelerated the dissolution substantially, although hydrolysis was slower.”

• cites [150] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Only acids with pKa < 1.0 resulted in appreciable cellobiose hydrolysis in [C2C1im]Cl, showing strong acids are needed for fast hydrolysis in chloride ionic liquids.

“It was shown that only the use of acids with a pK a < 1.0 resulted in appreciable hydrolysis, showing that strong acids need to be used to achieve fast hydrolysis in chloride ionic liquids.”

• cites [151] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Subsequent studies have shown that acidic protons contained in solid catalyst are released into ionic liquid and hydrolysis rate is proportional to H+ concentration in liquid phase.

“This study suggested that the cellulose hydrolysis proceeds on the surface of the resin, while subsequent studies have shown that the acidic protons contained in the solid catalyst are released into the ionic liquid and that the hydrolysis rate is proportional to the H + concentration in the liquid phase.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

At 50.5 wt% water content, the effect of water on the ionic liquid is likely to be considerable.

“This was at 50.5 wt% water content, where the effect of water on the ionic liquid is likely to be considerable.”

May combine two claims.

Secondary hydrolysis in diluted ionic liquid increased monomer yield to up to 30%, supporting that cellulose after acidic dissolution in ionic liquids is mostly oligomeric.

“A secondary hydrolysis in diluted ionic liquid increased the monomer yield to up to 30%, supporting the explanation that the cellulose after acidic dissolution in ionic liquids is mostly oligomeric.”

• cites 129aNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Ionic liquid treatment is accompanied by significant hemicellulose depolymerisation, as are other deconstruction methods.

“Ionic liquid treatment is accompanied by significant hemicellulose depolymerisation, 120,136 as are other deconstruction methods.”

• cites [120] sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites [136] sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Reactions of ionic liquids with lignocellulose would affect the recycling rate as well as the quality of the pulp.

“Other considerations are reactions of ionic liquids with the lignocellulose, which would also affect the recycling rate as well as the quality of the pulp, and dissolved impurities which may reduce the performance of the ionic liquid in subsequent cycles.”

May combine two claims.

In Sievers et al. study, although solubilisation of pine flour in [C4C1im]Cl with sulfuric acid was close to 100% at 120 °C within 2 h, the yield of monomeric sugars was low.

“Although the solubilisation was close to 100% at 120 °C within 2 h, the yield of monomeric sugars was low.”

• cites 129aNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Several ionic liquids containing chloride anions were effective in generating glucose from cellulose, while [C2C1im][NO3], [C4C1im][BF4], [C1C1im][Me2PO4] and [C2C1im][MeCO2] did not result in detectable glucose.

“While several ionic liquids containing chloride anions were effective in generating glucose from cellulose, the ionic liquids [C 2 C 1 im][NO 3 ], [C 4 C 1 im][BF 4 ], [C 1 C 1 im][Me 2 PO 4 ] and [C 2 C 1 im][MeCO 2 ] did not result in the formation of detectable amounts of glucose.”

• cites 146aNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

For [C2C1im][NO3] and [C4C1im][BF4], inability to dissolve cellulose inhibits acid access to glycosidic bonds and prevents hydrolysis.

“For the first two ionic liquids, it is suggested that their inability to dissolve the polymer inhibits access of the acid to the glycosidic bonds and thus prevents hydrolysis.”

• cites 146aNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Before any thermal deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass, a milling or grinding step is necessary.

“Before any thermal deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass, a milling or grinding step is necessary.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Although grinding costs are saved, the energy required for drying harvested biomass to 7-10% moisture, and thoroughly drying the ionic liquid, must be accounted for.

“Although grinding costs are saved, the energy required for drying harvested biomass to 7-10% moisture, and thoroughly drying the ionic liquid, must be accounted for.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Regardless of how successfully the ionic liquid is separated from the cellulose, it is likely that some of the ionic liquid will pass into subsequent process operations.

“Regardless of how successfully the ionic liquid is separated from the cellulose, it is likely that some of the ionic liquid will pass into subsequent process operations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Milling increases the surface area of the lignocellulosic substrate.

“Milling increases the surface area of the lignocellulosic substrate.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The particle size reduction process is an important target for optimisation, especially in the case of woody biomass.

“The particle size reduction process is an important target for optimisation, especially in the case of woody biomass.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The small number of papers in the literature that use the Ionosolv Process approach indicates that it is unlikely to have yet been optimised.

“The small number of papers in the literature that use the Ionosolv Process approach indicates that it is unlikely to have yet been optimised.”

May combine two claims.

The almost quantitative lignin removal is likely due to the presence of mid-range nucleophilic, neutral or acidic anions in the ionic liquids employed by the Ionosolv Process; these seem to act as catalytic delignifiers and possibly reagents.

“This is likely due to the presence of mid-range nucleophilic, neutral or acidic anions in the ionic liquids employed by the Ionosolv Process; these seem to act as catalytic delignifiers and possibly reagents.”

May combine two claims.

The ionic liquid solutions being recycled may contain ionic liquid decomposition products, biomass decomposition products and most likely both.

“These solutions may contain ionic liquid decomposition products, biomass decomposition products and most likely both.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Since the fractionation ability of an ionic liquid is dominated by the nature of the anion, it is likely that this will determine the anion selection.

“Since the fractionation ability of an ionic liquid is dominated by the nature of the anion, it is likely that this will determine the anion selection.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The higher pulp recoveries could be due to less extensive lignin removal.

“In addition, higher pulp recoveries were observed when the ionic liquid was reused, which could be due to less extensive lignin removal.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The filtrate will contain lignin and probably some hemicelluloses.

“The filtrate will contain lignin and probably some hemicelluloses.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

During recycling, the ionic liquid is likely to experience a build-up of carbohydrate monomers and oligomers, furfurals, organic acids, lignin fragments, inorganic salts and other solutes that are released during the pretreatment.

“During recycling, the ionic liquid is likely to experience a build-up of carbohydrate monomers and oligomers, furfurals, organic acids, lignin fragments, inorganic salts and other solutes that are released during the pretreatment.”

May combine two claims.

Protic ionic liquids are also distillable and hence much more easily recycled than the ionic liquids with fully alkylated cations.

“The protic ionic liquids are also distillable and hence much more easily recycled than the ionic liquids with fully alkylated cations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The use of distillable acid-base ionic liquids may be a solution to solute accumulation, although distillation of the ionic liquid after each cycle is likely to be uneconomical.

“The use of distillable acid-base ionic liquids may be a solution to this problem, although distillation of the ionic liquid after each cycle is likely to be uneconomical.”

May combine two claims.

Although the recovered ionic liquid does not need to be fully dried (as ca.20% water is required for the pretreatment step), reconcentration is still likely to be a highly energy intensive step and has the potential to be a process-limiting problem.

“Although the recovered ionic liquid does not need to be fully dried (as ca.20% water is required for the pretreatment step), this is still likely to be a highly energy intensive step and has the potential to be a process-limiting problem.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The incorporation of ionic liquid components into lignin or cellulose pulp could hamper the economic viability of ionic liquid deconstruction by reducing the maximum recovery as well as the value of the recovered pulp and the lignin.

“For example, the incorporation of ionic liquid components into lignin or cellulose pulp could hamper the economic viability of ionic liquid deconstruction by reducing the maximum recovery as well as the value of the recovered pulp and the lignin.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

The design of less inhibitory ionic liquids could be beneficial, as extensive washing will worsen the process economics due to a large, possibly environmentally harmful waste water stream.

“The design of less inhibitory ionic liquids could be beneficial, as extensive washing will worsen the process economics due to a large, possibly environmentally harmful waste water stream.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Reduction in the price of ionic liquids used for deconstruction of biomass is essential if this is to become commercial reality.

“Notwithstanding this, reduction in the price of ionic liquids used for deconstruction of biomass is essential if this is to become commercial reality.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Ionic liquids are the most expensive solvents currently under investigation for lignocellulose deconstruction.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The degradation of [C2C1im][MeCO2] during Dissolution Process pretreatment has yet to be studied in detail, but has the potential to be a process-limiting problem.

“This has yet to be studied in detail, but has the potential be a process-limiting problem.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The filtrate (precipitation solvent + ionic liquid) contains dissolved lignin, some hemicelluloses and the organic extractives.

“The filtrate ( precipitation solvent + ionic liquid) contains dissolved lignin, some hemicelluloses and the organic extractives.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Other separation procedures, such as solvent extraction, will probably be used to minimize solute accumulation and to ensure the ionic liquid remains sufficiently clean for repeated recycling, with distillation only being used when this cleaning fails.

“Therefore, other separation procedures, such as solvent extraction, will probably be used to minimize solute accumulation and to ensure the ionic liquid remains sufficiently clean for repeated recycling, with distillation only being used when this cleaning fails.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The possibility of removing lignin with the ionic liquid and recovering a separate, possibly more valuable lignin fraction is an attractive feature.

“The possibility of removing lignin with the ionic liquid and recovering a separate, possibly more valuable lignin fraction is also an attractive feature.”