Ultrasonic assisted dissolution of bamboo biomass using ether-functionalized ionic liquid

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been proven to be one of effective approaches for biomass dissolution. In this work, direct bamboo biomass dissolution in IL under probe sonication technique was studied. An ether-functionalized IL was synthesized and used in this study. Dissolution of biomass was observed under microscope. It was found that the presence of ether group in the IL decreased time up to 60% for complete biomass dissolution as compared to non-functionalized IL. Regenerated cellulose rich materials (CRM) recovered from both ether and non-functionalized IL treatment were characterized using FTIR, SEM and TGA. Regenerated biomass showed slight reduction on thermal stability following dissolution.