FeCl3 and acetic acid co-catalyzed hydrolysis of corncob for improving furfural production and lignin removal from residue

► FeCl3 and acetic acid were used to co-catalyze the hydrolysis of corncob. ► Lignin could be removed by the solvation effect of acetic acid in FeCl3 medium. ► Destroyed fibrous structure of corncob leads to a great pressure drop in the system.