Corncob :: Switchgrass

Feedstock

Lignocellulosic biomass (cellulosic biomass) is a general term applied to all plant matter that contains lignin (as distinct from grain, fruits, vegetables, etc.). While all cellulosic biomass contains fermentable sugars, some are more easily accessible for biochemical conversion than others. Logistics, availability, yield per acre, density and land-use impacts also influence feedstock choice. But gallons-per-acre-yield and sustainability are the ultimate considerations. DDCE is demonstrating its first biorefineries on corncob and switchgrass. However, we are interested in other biomass feedstocks such as fiber sorghum, miscanthus, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw and others.

Major components of lignocellulosic biomass are:

• Lignin: 15-25% — complex network of aromatic compounds, high-energy content
• Hemicellulose: 23-32% — collection of 5- and 6-carbon sugars linked together in long, substituted chains containing branched xylose, arabinose, glucose, mannose and galactose residues
• Cellulose: 38-50% — long chains of beta-linked glucose in a semicrystalline structure

Theoretical Ethanol Yields

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