Simultaneous separation and selective conversion of hemicellulose in Pubescen in water–cyclohexane solvent

The simultaneous separation and selective conversion of hemicellulose in Pubescen samples were investigated in water–cyclohexane solvent at 160 °C. Chemical titration, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to characterize the samples. The conversion of hemicellulose in Pubescen sample was found rather selectively in the mixed water–cyclohexane solvent, that is, 86.6% hemicellulose conversion was obtained without significant degradation of cellulose. A maximum acetic acid yield of 13.0 wt% was obtained from the conversion of Pubescen. If all the acetic acid comes from the conversion of hemicellulose, the yield would be 90% based on the converted hemicellulose. As compared to water solvent, the mixed solvent played an important role in reducing the conversion rate of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin. In addition, the reduction of conversion rate of cellulose and lignin was more significant, which benefited the stepwise conversion of different components in raw biomass materials.