Kinetics Of Corncob Hydrolysis Using A Magnetic Sulfonated Solid Acid Catalyst

The study investigated the kinetics of corncob hydrolysis into glucose using a synthesized magnetic sulfonated solid acid catalyst. A core nanomagnetic particle was modified using SiO2 from calcined rice husk ash to generate grafting nanoparticles that accommodate sulfonic groups from concentrated sulfuric acid. The magnetic sulfonated solid acid catalyst was applied in the hydrolysis of corncobs at 100, 110, and 120 °C. Glucose recovery from batch hydrolysis was fitted into Saeman’s, first-order and second-order reaction models. Results showed that the magnetic sulfonated solid acid catalyst possessed excellent catalytic properties and was effective in corncob hydrolysis. Among the equations used for the kinetic modeling, Saeman’s model perfectly fitted the experimental data at all temperatures investigated. Reaction kinetic was consistent for the hydrolysis yield at 110 °C in all the models. Activation energy of corncob hydrolysis was 10.45 kJ/mol and 69% of sugar was recovered from the hydrolysate. Hence, this study could help to achieve optimal operation in a biorefinery to sustain sugar availability for chemical and fuel production.