A Pathway to Sustainable Biorefinery with Ionic Liquid

We successfully developed an ionic liquids-based processing platform for biomass processing and conversion, such as wool keratin, chitin, chitosan, cellulose, lignocellulosic materials (wood). The work we started and developed has led to a broad study of aforementioned biopolymers with ionic liquids, such as design & preparation of green ionic liquids for biorefinery; preparation of wool keratin/cellulose composite fibres and membranes; development of chitosan and chitin based CO2 absorbent; preparation of new woody thermal plastic composites; In-situ 31P NMR analysis of wood structure; enzymatic and catalytic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material into sugars; microwave assisted catalytic conversion of biomass into furans, which will be presented during the conference. In a word, ILs represent a new homogenous processing platform for conversion of biomass into value-added new materials and chemicals. The distinct properties of ionic liquids, such as high recycle ability, high thermal stability, low vapour point, tenability and extensive applicability would lead to a pathway to sustainable biorefinery and provide much sustainable advantages and opportunities for biomass utilization comparing to conventional biorefinery platforms