4. Conclusion
This study demonstrates using dilute sulfuric acid at elevated temperatures is an exemplary pretreatment method for CGT feedstocks, achieving glucose conversions of 89%. The susceptibility of cotton fibre cellulose to solubilisation during pretreatment dictates enzymatic hydrolysis of whole slurries is necessary to maximise glucose recoveries. Utilising the full complement of C5 and C6 sugars for ethanol production along with a consolidated whole slurry SSF approach has the potential to improve the profitability and economic value of CGT. These results favourably support CGT as a promising feedstock for an emerging Australian biofuel industry,and mitigate issues surrounding waste disposal for Australian cotton processors.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDCDAN1306) for this work and the support of NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia. The authors express thanks to Trangie Gin (Namoi Cotton), Auscot Gin (Narrabri) and Yarraman Gin(Namoi Cotton) for suppling cotton gin residues.