Enhanced hydrolysis of bamboo biomass by chitosan based solid acid catalyst with surfactant addition in ionic liquid

Surfactants were used for the hydrolysis of bamboo biomass to enhance lignocellulose hydrolysis. Tween 80, polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were tested as surfactants for improving the bamboo hydrolysis with a novel sulfonated cross-linked chitosan solid acid catalyst (SCCAC) in ionic liquid (IL). Compared to the use of only SCCAC in 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl), the surfactants facilitated hydrolysis and improved the yield of total reducing sugar (TRS) under the same conditions. Tween 80 was the most effective surfactant, with a TRS yield of 68.01% achieved at 120 °C after 24 h. Surfactants broke the lignocellulose structure, promoted lignin removal, and increased positive interactions between cellulose and the catalyst, which were favorable for hydrolysis. This novel surfactant-assisted hydrolysis strategy with SCCAC and IL as the solvent demonstrated a promise for the large-scale transformation of biomass into biofuels and bioproducts.