Combination approach to delignification of biomass under ambient conditions

A one-pot process to separate lignin from a lignocellulosic feedstock, said process comprising the steps of:

• providing a vessel;
• providing said lignocellulosic feedstock comprising cellulose fibres and lignin;
• exposing said plant material requiring delignification to a composition comprising:
• an acid;
• a modifying agent;
• a metal oxide;
• and
• a peroxide;
• adding an organic solvent to the resulting mixture;
• exposing said lignocellulosic feedstock to said composition in said vessel for a period of time sufficient to remove substantially all (at least 80%) of the lignin present said lignocellulosic feedstock;
• optionally, separating and removing a liquid phase from a solid phase comprising cellulose fibres, said liquid phase comprising said water immiscible solvent.