BIOBUTHANOL

Biobutanol is a renewable biofuel characterized by high energy density, low volatility, and compatibility with existing petroleum infrastructure. Despite these advantages, its large-scale production remains limited by high feedstock costs, low microbial tolerance, and process inefficiencies. This study investigates the conversion of corn cob, an abundant lignocellulosic residue, into biobutanol through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) using Clostridium beijerinckii. The corn cob was pretreated with dilute sulfuric acid to enhance enzymatic accessibility, followed by detoxification and enzymatic hydrolysis using a cocktail of cellulase, β-glucosidase, and pectinase. The hydrolysate obtained served as the substrate for SSF, and the key operational parameters were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed effective delignification and structural modification after pretreatment. Optimum conditions of pH 5.48, inoculum size 9.04% (v/v), and temperature 37.45 °C produced a maximum butanol concentration of 15.60 g/L. Kinetic modeling empirical (quadratic fits / RSM) kinetic analysis accurately described substrate utilization and solvent formation. The results demonstrate that corn cob is a viable low-cost feedstock for sustainable biobutanol production, and that the integrated SSF approach offers an efficient and environmentally responsible pathway for renewable fuel generation and agricultural waste valorization in Nigeria.