Two-step Conversion of Acetic Acid to Bioethanol by Ethyl Esterification and Catalytic Hydrogenolysis

A two-step conversion of acetic acid to ethanol was discussed by ethyl esterification followed by catalytic hydrogenolysis for highly efficient bioethanol production from lignocellulose via acetic acid fermentation. Non-catalytic supercritical ethanol treatment was demonstrated for the esterification of acetic acid, and an appropriate condition was found to be 270 °C/20 MPa for ethyl acetate production. Because of the autocatalytic effect of...