Impact of cationic polyelectrolyte on the nanoshear hybrid alkaline pretreatment of corn stover: Morphology and saccharification study

► The addition of polyelectrolyte in the pretreatment greatly modified the lignin in the biomass. ► It further induced the morphological changes of cell wall layers. ► Both glucose and xylose yields were enhanced in the enzymatic hydrolysis. ► Lignin migrated, redistributed, and formed globular complex.