Comparing the two agents, alkaline peroxide seems to be
more suitable to pretreat not ground biomass, as it led to
higher glucose yield at a lower temperature and in less time.
Besides, as peroxide decomposes into oxygen and water, it
does not leave residues in biomass and the washing after
pretreatment is much more efficient than when lime is used.
After pretreatment with lime the washing must be very
thorough or pH cannot be maintained in the optimal range in
the subsequent hydrolysis.