Steam Explosion

- Requires high temperature and Pressure ( T = 240oC ) - Hemicellulose hydrolyse and from acid ( phenolic acid / acetic acid ) - May form inhibitors like furfural and HMF from the acid produced

Dilute Acid Pretreatment

Advantage - Cheap chemicals ( H2SO4 , H3PO4 ) - Gives good glucose yield for hydrolysis Disadvantages - Formation of byproducts ( Furfural and HMF ) - Low ethonal conversion yield due to inhibitors - May cause equipment corrosion Condition : 1. 1.5% acid , 5-10mins , 200oC 2.

Alkaline Pretreatment
Advantages : - does not form inhibitors - Higher yield for ethanol production Disadvantage : - Slightly lower sugar conversion rate compared to dilute acid pretreatment. Condtion : 1. 3% (w/w) NaOH/KOH , 8-10 mins , 170oC