Nano-green Biorefineries Inc.

University of Saskatchewan

Andrew A Olkowski

Bernard Laarveld

Norman Arrison

Karen K Tanino

A biorefining method of processing a lignocellulosic biomass to separate lignin and hemicellulose from cellulose includes the steps of (a) reacting the biomass in an aqueous slurry having a pH less than 7, comprising a transition metal catalyst, hydrogen peroxide; and (b) separating a solid cellulose fraction from dissolved lignin and hemicellulose fractions. The method may also be used to treat cellulose and produce microcrystalline or nanocrystalline cellulose. The transition metal catalyst may be a nanoparticulate catalyst including multivalent iron, iron oxides and iron hydroxides. The nanoparticulate catalyst may be formed by oxidizing a highly reduced solution of iron, such as groundwater that has not been exposed to oxygen.

Growing community of inventors

Saskatoon, Canada

Andrew A Olkowski