Liberation of cellulose from the lignin cage:A catalytic pretreatment method for the production of cellulosic ethanol

Catalytic pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials with a copper (II) phenanthroline catalyst is an efficient and selective method for the isolation of cellulose. The method loosens the wood matrix and liberates cellulose with high yields. The use of a catalyst, water as solvent, and oxygen as oxidant make this process a promising and sustainable method to obtain biofuels.