Selective single-stage xylan-to-xylose hydrolysis and its effect on enzymatic digestibility of energy crops giant reed and cardoon for bioethanol production
Low temperature dilute acid hydrolysis is effective method for crop fractionation. Hydrolysis severity (CSF) of 1.90–1.97 is optimal for maximum xylose recovery. Crop digestibility increases to 0.75–0.80 after hydrolysis at CSF 1.90–1.97. Rise of CSF to 2.44 provides 0.93–0.98 digestibility while causing 40% xylose loss. Heterogeneity of cardoon stalks affects efficiency of separation processes.