Combined biomimetic and inorganic acids hydrolysis of hemicellulose in Miscanthus for bioethanol production

► Combined biomimetic acids and sulfuric acid were applied for hemicellulose hydrolysis. ► Combined acid catalysts facilitate decomposition of hemicellulose and oligomeric intermediates. ► Combined acid catalysts could also efficiently inhibit xylose degradation. ► Combined acid hydrolysis increased overall ethanol yield by 27-54% compared to H2SO4 pretreatment. ► Combined acids reduced catalyst costs and phenols production compared to biomimetic acid pretreatment.