Comparison of laboratory delignification methods, their selectivity, and impacts on physiochemical characteristics of cellulosic biomass

► Delignification was performed employing sodium chlorite-acetic acid and peracetic acid. ► Various raw and pretreated biomass solids and pure cellulose were used. ► Delignification selectivity and effects on cellulose structure were determined. ► Peracetic acid was more selective than sodium chlorite-acetic acid. ► Cellulose MW, reducing ends, and CrI were affected less in delignification with PAA.