DECOMPOSITION OF CELLULOSE AND GLUCOSE IN HOT-COMPRESSED WATER UNDER CATALYST-FREE CONDITIONS

Cellulose, a major component of woody biomass, was reacted in hot-comp ressed water under catalyst-free conditions at different reaction temp eratures from 200 to 350 degrees C. The product distribution was analy zed at different temperatures and/or holding times. ii simplified reac tion scheme is proposed, in which char-like residues are produced from cellulose through water-soluble products and oils, as intermediates. Experiments with glucose and cellulose feedstock resulted in the same product distribution, suggesting that cellulose decomposition starts w ith a first hydrolysis step. Levoglucosan and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfura l (HMF) were also detected. The role of alkali catalysts in cellulose liquefaction is discussed.