A feasible strategy for generating furfural and valuable cellulose-rich residue simultaneously from lignocellulosic biomass

To achieve an optimal balance between high furfural and co-product yields from lignocellulosic biomass, this study proposed an integrated process for JUNCAO to produce furfural and high-quality cellulose using NaCl-assisted phosphoric acid/methyl isobutyl ketone (H 3 PO 4 (aq)/MIBK) biphasic system. Under optimal conditions, a furfural yield of 74.7% and a cellulose recovery of 63.2% were achieved. The chemical composition, fiber morphology, and crystallinity index of the cellulose-rich residue were thoroughly characterized, confirming the high quality of the cellulose. In addition, the cellulose-rich solid was further converted into fermentable glucose by enzymatic hydrolysis and upgraded to dissolving pulp through sequential cooking and bleaching. These successful conversions confirmed the dual potential of the residue for producing both bioenergy and high-value materials. This study established JUNCAO as a highly promising and sustainable feedstock for the production of biomass-derived chemicals and products.