Process Optimization of Furfural Production From Cellulosic Biomass with Simultaneous Solvent Extraction

Furfural is currently produced by hydrolysis and dehydration of woody crops and bagasse, however, its yields are currently limited by its simultaneous degradation to undesired products due to presence of acid in aqueous phase.  Nonetheless, the furfural degradation could be largely avoided by its simultaneous extraction by an appropriate solvent, as has recently been shown in a study by Weingarten et. al for pure xylose. In this study, similar approaches of simultaneous organic solvent extraction were used for furfural production from lignocellulosic biomass.  Various approaches to enhance yields were undertaken and that includes 1) direct furfural production and simultaneous extraction from cellulosic biomass, 2) hemicelluloses extraction followed by furfural production with simultaneous extraction. These different approaches were compared for the optimization of furfural yield and operation costs.