Compositional and microstructural changes in compressed hot water pretreated corn stalk

Abstract Lignocellulosic materials are currently the most economic and environmental friendly precursors for production of fuel and biochemical. Understanding the intricate effect of pretreatment on the lignocellulosic composition would be an advantage to predict their proper utilization for biochemical production. Compressed Hot-Water (CHW) pretreatment was used to disrupt Corn stalk (CS) cell walls at temperature range 100–200 ​°C for reaction time 10 ​min. Highest glucose recovery was recorded in CS pretreated at 180 ​°C while furfural, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and total phenolics concentrations were highest in 200 ​°C. Crystallinity Index (CrI) of the pretreated CS increased with increase in severity of the Pretreatment Temperature (PT); while Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic images showed changes in the functional groups of CS as the PT was gradually intensified. Cumulatively, changes in chemical and structural profile of pretreated lignocellulosic material could be determining factor for its utilization in the production of biofuels and biochemicals.