Delignification of empty fruit bunch using deep eutectic solvent for biobased-chemical production

Abstract

Lignocellulose biomass was a potential feedstock for biobased chemicals substituting fossil-based chemicals. Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) is the largest lignocellulose biomass from oil palm waste. Lignocellulose contains cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Pretreatment is one of the steps in the bioconversion of lignocellulose material. Pretreatment aims to reduce lignin in lignocellulose because lignin can inhibit biomass conversion. The objection of this research is to conduct pretreatment by deep eutectic solvent (DES). DES is the green solvent widely used for biomass conversion. The pretreatment process was conducted at various temperatures and processing times. The delignification of EFB by using DES in 100°C, 120°C, and 150°C pretreatment temperature was 30.67%, 40.60%, and 44.05% respectively. This pretreated-EFB can be used further for biobased chemicals such as glucose, ethanol, or furfural.