Characterization and use of southern cattail for biorefining-based production of furfural

In this work, we assessed the potential of southern cattail (Typha domingensis) as a lignocellulosic material for producing furfural in some regions. Also, we modeled and optimized the process involving autohydrolysis of the raw material, and its subsequent separation by liquid–liquid extraction and simple distillation. The process is based on biorefining principles and aimed at preserving the integrity of other polymer fractions of the raw material for subsequent use. The autohydrolysis liquor and furfural were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Also, a central composite factor design was used to model and optimize the autohydrolysis/liquid–liquid extraction process for conversion of hemicellulosic materials into furfural. Based on the results, southern cattail is a suitable material for extracting hemicellulose to be converted into furfural while preserving other fractions of use for other purposes. The optimum operating ranges for the autohydrolysis conditions were found to be 177–189 °C and 30–45 min. Under such conditions, 20–25% of all xylan in the raw material was converted into furfural with little simultaneous production of degradation products. Furfural in the autohydrolysis liquor was separated virtually quantitatively by extraction with chloroform and subsequent simple distillation.