ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATED ACID CATALYSIS OF CELLULOSE HYDROLYSIS

Catalysis of cellulose hydrolysis in an asymmetric electrochemical-batch recycle reactor by electrochemically generated acid has been investigated. An increase in temperature increases cellulose conversion, but glucose yields decrease because glucose degradation products increase; an increase in reaction times decreases glucose yields. Variation in applied current, however, does not significantly affect glucose yields. At 160 degree C and 5000 mA, a glucose yield of 98% was obtained.