Alkaline post-incubation improves the saccharification of poplar after hydrogen peroxide–acetic acid pretreatment

Abstract Background Hydrogen peroxide–acetic acid (HPAA) is widely used in pretreatment of lignocellulose because it has a good capability selective delignification. However, high concentration (more than 60%) HPAA increases the cost and risk explosion. In this work, alkaline post-incubation was employed to decrease loading improve saccharification poplar. Results Pretreatment with 100% removed 91.0% lignin retained 89.9% glucan After poplar pretreated by at 60 °C for 2 h, conversion enzymatic hydrolysis cellulase increased 90.1%. Alkaline incubation reduced total lignin, surface acetyl group HPAA-pretreated More 92% groups were 1.0% NaOH 50 1 h. 60% NaOH, enhanced 95.0%. About 40% without glucose yield. Conclusions had strong ability on deacetylation delignification poplar, exhibiting promotion This report represented loading, improved safety, excellent potential application