Characterization of Fall Leaves as a Source of Cellulosic Ethanol
Location
CSU 202
Start Date
21-4-2008 10:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2008 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
James E. Rife
Mentor's Department
Chemistry and Geology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Concerns about the high prices of gasoline and production of the greenhouse gas CO2 by the combustion of fossils fuels have increased the use of ethanol as a bio-fuel. Concerns have also been raised about diverting traditional crops to ethanol production. Cellulose in biomass has been proposed as an alternative feedstock for ethanol production. In this project, Autumn leaves were evaluated as biomass for the production of cellulosic ethanol. A standard Laboratory Analytical Procedure published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was used to characterize leaves. Acid soluble lignin, acid insoluble lignin and ash were measured. High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to assay the carbohydrate composition of the leaves. Initial results indicated that leaves had at least 20% acid hydrolysable cellulose.
Characterization of Fall Leaves as a Source of Cellulosic Ethanol
CSU 202
Concerns about the high prices of gasoline and production of the greenhouse gas CO2 by the combustion of fossils fuels have increased the use of ethanol as a bio-fuel. Concerns have also been raised about diverting traditional crops to ethanol production. Cellulose in biomass has been proposed as an alternative feedstock for ethanol production. In this project, Autumn leaves were evaluated as biomass for the production of cellulosic ethanol. A standard Laboratory Analytical Procedure published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was used to characterize leaves. Acid soluble lignin, acid insoluble lignin and ash were measured. High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to assay the carbohydrate composition of the leaves. Initial results indicated that leaves had at least 20% acid hydrolysable cellulose.
Recommended Citation
Burum, Justin. "Characterization of Fall Leaves as a Source of Cellulosic Ethanol." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2008.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2008/oral-session-04/7
