An advanced understanding of the specific effects of xylan and surface lignin contents on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

► Demonstrated a new approach to investigation of biomass recalcitrance. ► Established an XPS method to quantify surface lignin on biomass substrates. ► Gained new insight into the effect of xylan on enhancing cellulose swelling. ► Provided new evidence to confirm non-productive binding between lignin and cellulase.