Recovery of glucose from an aqueous ionic liquid by adsorption onto a zeolite-based solid

Batch adsorption was studied for D-glucose on different types of zeolite-based adsorbents from an aqueous solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C(2)min][CH3COO]). The goal of the studies is to establish a possible process for recovery of glucose and of ionic liquid for recycle in a continuous process for converting a wild grass (miscanthus) to a liquid biofuel. A significant increase in glucose uptake is obtained when ionic liquid is present in the aqueous glucose solution. Highest glucose uptake was obtained for Faujasite structures and for zeolites with a high Si/Al ratio. Adsorption on KX-zeolites can reach 45% glucose removal in one step. Desorption of glucose into water is complete in 50 min at 50 degrees C and in 10 min at 60 degrees C. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.