Ionic liquid—a future solvent for the enhanced uses of wood biomass

Biomass refers to biological materials that can be
used as fuel or for the production of chemicals. Globally,
ever growing demand of energy and concerns for the environment
have prompted researchers to develop convenient
and efficient ways for converting wood biomass into valuable
chemicals, bio-fuels and useful biomaterials. In this
context, ionic liquid has the potential to play a major role.
Ionic liquids, considered as green solvents, have been found
capable of dissolving wood biomass, and the dissolution
process can be enhanced in a number of ways, like heating,
microwave treatment, addition of acids etc. The anionic
part of ionic liquid plays an important role in this process
coupled with hydrogen bond basicity (β) property of ionic
liquid, which has a significant effect on wood biomass dissolution.
This paper reviews the applications of ionic liquids
for the dissolution, fractionation and regeneration of wood
biomass. It is also related to the processing of cellulose and
wood biomass, preparation of cellulose and wood biomass
derivatives and composites