Abstract
In this study, rice straw (RS) was liquefied by ethylene carbonate (EC) using H2SO4 as a catalyst. The effects of various process conditions on the liquefaction characteristics were investigated by FT-IR and residue content analysis. The results show that cellulose and lignin are degraded during the liquefaction process and large amounts of groups are generated. In addition, it is difficult to effectively liquefy RS by using EC alone as the liquefying agent without other additives. Compared to water addition on liquefaction, the residue content can be significantly reduced up to 30% by adding H2O2. It has also been proved that the liquor ratio (RS/EC, w/v) of 1∶5 with H2O2 as an additive at 145℃ for liquefaction time of 60 min in the presence of H2SO4 can accelerate the liquefaction process and high liquefaction yield can be obtained.
