Lignin Extraction from Corn Biomass Using Supercritical Extraction

An increased use of bio fuels would contribute to sustainable development by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and the use of non-renewable resources. Lignocellulosic biomass, including agricultural and forestry residues instead of traditional feedstock (starch crops), could prove to be an ideally inexpensive and abundantly available source of sugar for fermentation into transportation fuels. Cellulose, accessible surface area, protection by lignin, and sheathing by hemicelluloses all contribute to the resistance of cellulose in biomass to hydrolysis for the conversion to fuels. Our research had as objective the reduction of lignin by supercritical fluid extraction process by choosing optimal parameters of extractant, extraction time, pressure and temperature adapted on plant material used. Tests of lignin extraction with supercritical CO2 in laboratory facilities were performed on cobs and corn stalks. Parameters were followed biomass size (< 2.35 mm, 2.35 to 3.5 mm), the influence of the type of solvent (methanol and butanol) and co solvent concentration (50-100%). The best results were obtained in extraction with methanol / water 50% v / v. Research is part of the ERA IB 6001, international project.