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Ethanol from cellulose

  • Conversion of Biomass to Fuel and Chemical Raw Material
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Summary

An excess of organic waste, containing up to 60% cellulose and hemicellulose is produced worldwide. The conversion of this cellulosic material to ethanol is discussed: The two-step process consisting of a hydrolysis step to glucose and the subsequent fermentation by yeasts; and the one-step process, a fermentation of the cellulose by the anaerobic thermophileClostridium thermocellum, or by a thermophilic, anaerobic, defined mixed culture. The use of the latter seems to be very feasible., To achieve an economic process, it is suggested to combine this approach with a thermophilic fermentation of the effluent and/or stillage obtained to produce methane.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Mikrobiologie der Gesellschaft für Strahlen- und Umweltforschung, Grisebachstrasse 8, D-3400, Göttingen, Germany

    Jürgen Wiegel

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  1. Jürgen Wiegel
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Additional information

Acknowledgment. Part of this work was supported by Energy and Research Development Administration contract number EY-76-509-0888-M003, and by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.

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Wiegel, J. Ethanol from cellulose. Experientia 38, 151–156 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01945067

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01945067

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