Catalytic efficiency of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids for the hydrolysis of Gelidium latifolium (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) in bioethanol production

Gelidium latifolium was selected as a potential resource for bioethanol production among 25 tropical red seaweed species candidates due to its high carbohydrate content. This report shows a catalytic efficiency comparison between sulfuric (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) as feasible catalysts, which are used for the hydrolysis of G. latifolium. H2SO4 showed better hydrolysis compared to HCl based on sugar production, catalytic efficiency, and ethanol production. These results are important for future applications of bioethanol production on an industrial scale.