Deciphering ‘water-soluble lignocellulose’ obtained by mechanocatalysis: new insights into the chemical processes leading to deep depolymerization

Abstract

Recently, the mechanocatalytic depolymerization of lignocelluloses yielding ‘water-soluble lignocelluloses’ was demonstrated. Water-soluble C₅ & C₆ sugars and sulfur-free lignins are formed through the saccharification of the oligosaccharides, allowing for the fractionation of biomass by simple filtration. Herein, we present an in-depth analysis of water-soluble products obtained from beechwood. The complex nature of the ‘water-soluble beechwood’ is investigated by 2D HSQC NMR, HPLC and gel filtration chromatography. The detailed analysis of the ‘water-soluble beechwood’ lends significant insights into the chemical nature of the lignocellulose depolymerization driven by the mechanical forces.