Rapid decomposition of cellulose dissolved in ionic liquid using gas-liquid interface discharge

Cellulose was dissolved at 3wt% in 15mL of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) together with 2wt% water, and then gas-liquid interface discharge was carried out at 20W for 200 s. As a result, 7.6% of initially dissolved cellulose decomposed and 3.9% of initially dissolved cellulose changed into reducing sugar. Adding a small amount of water to the solution was essential for the decomposition of cellulose. [Amim]Cl was stable against the discharge, as determined from the NMR signals measured before and after the discharge.