Synergistic effects of ionic liquid plus alkaline pretreatments on eucalyptus: Lignin structure and cellulose hydrolysis

- Ionic liquid and alkaline pretreatments were combined for woody biomass biorefinery.
- The influence of this integrated biorefinery on lignin structure and subsequent cellulose hydrolysis was investigated.
- A maximum yield of 35.0% was achieved for lignin prepared from the 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride pretreated feedstock.
- Pretreatment improved the yield and purity of lignin and its physicochemical properties were modified slightly.
- The synergistic pretreatment of eucalyptus led to significant improvement of cellulose hydrolysis.