Wisconsin researchers develop new method to create cellulosic biofuel using chemical solvents, additives

In Wisconsin, researchers at the University of Wisconsin reported a new, two step process for conversion of raw cellulose to biofuel. The researchers said that they have successfully converted biomass to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in a single step, using a patent-pending blend of solvents and additives to dissolve the ong-chain cellulosic molecules.

The research team said that the process bypasses problems with lignin (the glue that binds cellulose) by using chemicals that are small enough to pass between lignin molecules. The process is “not corrosive, dangerous, expensive or stinky.” according to the team, which reported that they have subsequently converted HMF into the biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), but said that the second step had not yet been optimized for yield. Current yields are at 9 percent, or around 30 gallons per ton of biomass.

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