In this study, we propose a complete
biomass fractionation strategy
where all three major biopolymers, namely, cellulose, hemicellulose,
and lignin, are separated with higher efficiency and purity. Sequential
treatment of hybrid poplar wood using autohydrolysis (160 °C,
60 min) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate activation (60 °C,
3 h) resulted in significantly improved enzymatic saccharification
and fractionated 85% cellulose and 67% hemicellulose. The resulting
solid fraction contained 90% (w/w) lignin, which was equal to 71%
yield based on the original biomass composition. The proposed two-step
pretreatment process improved lignin yield by 77% and 23% compared
to the single-stage ionic liquid activation or autohydrolysis, respectively.
Structural characterization by 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
and small-angle neutron scattering revealed that the isolated lignin
sustained minimal modifications to interunit linkages and exhibited
high thermotolerance as well as unique functionality, thereby highlighting
the benefits of this process for lignin fractionation.