Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nan Sun, Zhaofeng Wang, Xi Ma, Kaixin Zhang, Zeyu Wang, Zhenyu Guo, Yun Chen, Lihao Sun, Wang Lu, Yang Liu, Mingwei Di
Summary: A facile strategy to prepare lignin-containing polyurethane elastomers based on hydrogen and disulfide bonds with good self-healing properties and tensile strength is reported. The study explores the role of lignin and the introduction order of disulfide bonds on the properties of polyurethane elastomers, and elaborates on the self-healing mechanism of dynamic hydrogen and disulfide bonds.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenqiang Hu, Yao Li, Mingtao Zheng, Yong Xiao, Hanwu Dong, Yeru Liang, Hang Hu, Yingliang Liu
Summary: A simple and effective strategy using Na2SO3 and NaOH aqueous mixture to degrade lignin and hemicellulose in biomass, transforming it into porous carbon with high specific surface area and large pore volume. The prepared sample exhibits appealing hydrogen storage capacity and isosteric heat of hydrogen adsorption, making it suitable for high-performance hydrogen storage materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohmmad Khalid, De Biswajit Samir, Aditya Singh, Samaneh Shahgaldi
Summary: This study presents a simplistic approach for hydrogen generation by lignin electrolysis, which achieves higher current density and lower charge transfer resistance compared to traditional water electrolysis. The hydrogen production rate of lignin electrolysis is 2.7 times higher than that of water electrolysis, indicating its potential for reducing the capital cost of renewable hydrogen production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhengwen Cao, Yun Xu, Pengbo Lyu, Michael Dierks, Angel Morales-Garcia, Wolfgang Schrader, Petr Nachtigall, Ferdi Schuth
Summary: This study presents a catalytic system that can convert lignin into high-quality hydrocarbons by controlling hydrogen partial pressure, providing flexibility in hydrogen storage/consumption to meet different regional and temporal demands. The product distribution between aromatics and aliphatics can be tuned by controlling hydrogen availability on the catalyst surface, leading to almost complete oxygen removal from lignin biomass.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ranieri Bueno Melati, Daiane Cristina Sass, Fernando Carlos Pagnocca, Michel Brienzo
Summary: This study investigated the solubilization of xylan from different segments of sugarcane biomass using hydrogen peroxide. Results showed varying levels of recalcitrance and yield among different plant segments, with solubilized xylan exhibiting high enzymatic activity and similar or better characteristics compared to commercial xylan. The study suggests the potential of using sugarcane biomass as a renewable source for producing xylan of economic interest.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lorenz P. Manker, Graham R. Dick, Adrien Demongeot, Maxime A. Hedou, Christele Rayroud, Thibault Rambert, Marie J. Jones, Irina Sulaeva, Mariella Vieli, Yves Leterrier, Antje Potthast, Francois Marechal, Veronique Michaud, Harm-Anton Klok, Jeremy S. Luterbacher
Summary: The direct transformation of the hemicellulosic fraction of non-edible biomass into a tricyclic diester plastic precursor is demonstrated, which can be further processed into amorphous polyesters with high mechanical properties and strong gas barriers. These materials also possess the ability of chemical recycling and degradation.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Abraham Castro Garcia, Shuo Cheng, Jeffrey S. Cross
Summary: The consumption of fossil fuels is a significant driver of climate change. Lignin derived from biomass is being increasingly studied as a carbon-neutral raw material for fuel production. Gasification of biomass, specifically lignin, shows promise in producing syngas and heat for various applications. This review examines the existing research on lignin gasification and compares it to other thermochemical processes. The analysis suggests that while lignin gasification may gain importance in the near future for hydrogen production, its potential lies in utilizing its chemical compounds for emerging applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heng Zhao, Xinti Yu, Guichun Hu, Na Zhong, Zhi-Yi Hu, Steve Larter, Yu Li, Md Golam Kibria, Jinguang Hu
Summary: The biomass photorefinery offers a promising strategy for producing value-added chemicals from natural feedstocks. The ternary composite designed and fabricated in this study showed excellent xylose conversion and selectivity for formic acid production, demonstrating a simple pathway for lignocellulose valorization.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Cheng, Bruna Palma, Heng Zhao, Hongguang Zhang, Jiu Wang, Zhangxin Chen, Jinguang Hu
Summary: Photoreforming of lignocellulosic biomass to produce gas fuels and value-added chemicals is a promising strategy to address the fossil fuels crisis. Although the utilization of lignin via photoreforming is still in the early stages, it has exciting potential. This review summarizes the latest progress in the photoreforming of lignin-derived components and real lignin, providing insights for lignin photocatalytic valorization and introducing analytic methods for characterizing the conversion and distribution of lignin products. The challenges and perspectives of lignin photoreforming are also discussed, aiming to guide the future valorization of biomass into valuable chemicals and fuels through mild photoreforming processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yilin Li, Yanyan Yu, Yuhan Lou, Suqing Zeng, Yaxu Sun, Yongzhuang Liu, Haipeng Yu
Summary: In this study, choline chloride (ChCl) was used as a hydrogen bond acceptor to tailor the hydrogen-donating environment for the reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of lignocellulose. The ChCl-tailored RCF was conducted under mild temperature and low-pressure conditions, resulting in high selectivity and yield of the desired products. This research provides valuable information for the transformation of lignin into value-added products.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haixu Wang, Dongyu Zhu, Weifeng Liu, Jianhua Huang, Jinhao Huang, Dongjie Yang, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: In this study, homogeneous and stable LWPU emulsions were prepared using low-molecular-weight lignin, and strong and tough LWPU/lignin nanocomposites were prepared by blending DAL nanomicelles with LWPU emulsions. The nanocomposites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and photothermal conversion ability, and the DAL nanoparticles enhanced the aging-induced self-reinforcing properties of the nanocomposites.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bayram Poyraz, Yusuf Guner, Ayhan Tozluoglu, Recai Aslan
Summary: This study aimed to replace EPDM and carbon black with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and lignin in specified amounts to investigate the properties of EPDM elastomers. The results showed that the introduction of MCC and lignin increased elastic modulus and tear strength, but decreased tensile strength. Minor chemical shifts and lower thermal stability were observed. In addition, MCC and lignin facilitated the vulcanization process and dispersed homogeneously in the matrix. All mechanical values were within the specified standard after the replacement of MCC and lignin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mason Chin, Sang Mi Suh, Zhen Fang, Eric L. Hegg, Tianning Diao
Summary: Lignin, a complex polymer in biomass, can be depolymerized into phenylpropanoid monomers using reverse biosynthesis, which can be further utilized in the production of fragrances, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guanglong Li, Xuhui Zhang, Jing Huang, Ting Li, Shuobing Yang, Yang Wang, Jie Jiang, Bihua Xia, Mingqing Chen, Weifu Dong
Summary: The introduction of biomass dynamic hydrazone bonds into imine thermoset networks improves the mechanical properties and heat resistance. The performance of hydrazone-imine thermosets can be adjusted by controlling the number of hydrazone bonds. The introduction of hydrazone bonds does not affect the recyclability, repairability, and water resistance of the materials.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Suchat Pongchaiphol, Nopparat Suriyachai, Bongkot Hararak, Marisa Raita, Navadol Laosiripojana, Verawat Champreda
Summary: Lignin is a promising alternative to petrochemical precursors for industrial-needed products. Organosolv lignins extracted from different agricultural wastes have different physico-chemical characteristics. These findings provide insights into the further applications of organosolv lignins in chemical, polymer, and material industries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liangfeng Xiao, Weifeng Liu, Jinhao Huang, Hongming Lou, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: The molecular weight of lignin decreased and its distribution narrowed after alkaline depolymerization or solvent extraction pretreatment, leading to an increase in phenolic hydroxyl group content. Lignin extracted with ethyl acetate showed the lowest molecular weight and highest phenolic hydroxyl group content, demonstrating better free radical scavenging ability than commercial Irganox1010. The alkali lignin extracted with ethyl acetate significantly improved the antioxidant performance of SBS elastomer, comparable to that of Irganox1010, indicating great application potential.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhikai Tu, Weifeng Liu, Jin Wang, Xueqing Qiu, Jinhao Huang, Jinxing Li, Hongming Lou
Summary: This study demonstrates a novel approach to optimize the characteristics of artificial muscle materials through rearranging dynamic sacrificial bonds via a mechanical training process, achieving excellent self-strengthening, strain-adaptive stiffening, and actuation performance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuanxiang Xie, Yong Qian, Zhixian Li, Zicong Liang, Weifeng Liu, Dongjie Yang, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: Lignin-copper sulfide (LS-CuS) nanocomposites synthesized using lignosulfonate as a growth template exhibit enhanced photothermal performance and peroxidase-like activity under near-infrared light activation, leading to efficient bacteria-killing through synergistic photothermal-catalytic effects. Moreover, blending LS-CuS nanocomposites with waterborne polyurethane results in hybrid films with over 90% bactericidal efficacy in 5 minutes. The study suggests a sustainable and cost-effective approach to designing lignin-based inorganic nanocomposites with high bacteria-killing efficiency.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinxing Li, Weifeng Liu, Xueqing Qiu, Xinpeng Zhao, Zhijun Chen, Mengzhen Yan, Zhiqiang Fang, Zhixian Li, Zhikai Tu, Jinhao Huang
Summary: This research demonstrates the preparation of smart elastomer composites using lignin as an efficient photothermal agent, allowing for light-triggered shape memory effects, light-controlled self-repairing properties, and strong photothermal bactericidal activity. Functional applications like photothermal engines, generators, and switches were also showcased, indicating promising prospects for lignin-based elastomer composites in smart materials.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yuanxiang Xie, Chuchu Gan, Zhixian Li, Weifeng Liu, Dongjie Yang, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: This study addresses the challenges of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilms by fabricating a LS-CuS@PVA composite hydrogel. The LS-CuS@PVA hydrogel exhibits excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity under near-infrared light irradiation, attributed to the synergistic effects of photothermal and photodynamic effects, as well as reactive oxygen species.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Wenfeng Li, Jinhao Huang, Weifeng Liu, Xueqing Qiu, Hongming Lou, Lu Zheng
Summary: In this study, lignin-modified PBAT biocomposites with enhanced tensile strength were successfully prepared by introducing interfacial modifiers to construct dynamic bonds. The results demonstrated that the interfacial modifiers significantly improved the mechanical properties and interfacial compatibility of the composites, providing an effective strategy for developing high-performance and low-cost lignin/PBAT composites.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jin Wang, Zhikai Tu, Huanhuan Zhang, Meng-Meng Wang, Weifeng Liu, Jin-Ping Qu
Summary: This study reports a sePAMs with high actuation strain and provides an in-depth analysis of its mechanisms. Both entropy-elastic actuation and crystallization-induced elongation/melting-induced contraction play important roles in controlling the actuation behavior. The oriented crystallization causes an increase in entropy of the amorphous section, resulting in further elongation of the network.
Article
Polymer Science
Haixu Wang, Jianhua Huang, Weifeng Liu, Jinhao Huang, Dongjie Yang, Xueqing Qiu, Jiaren Zhang
Summary: In this study, a tough and fast light-controlled healable polyurethane elastomer with lignin was successfully synthesized. The elastomer showed excellent mechanical properties, reprocessability, and healing properties due to its dynamic dual-crosslinking network. The incorporation of Zn2+-based coordination bonds significantly enhanced its photothermal conversion capability, enabling rapid and outstanding light-controlled healing performance under near-infrared irradiation. This research demonstrated the novel application of biomass lignin in recyclable and light-driven smart polyurethane elastomers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengzhen Yan, Junqi Cai, Zhiqiang Fang, Huan Wang, Xueqing Qiu, Weifeng Liu
Summary: In this study, a green muscle-like conductive hydrogel was prepared by mimicking the muscle strengthening principle and introducing a double physical enhancement network. The hydrogel exhibited anisotropic high strength, high toughness, and excellent conductivity, providing a valuable reference for the preparation of high-performance green hydrogels.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Caiwei Wang, Dongjie Yang, Wenli Zhang, Yanlin Qin, Si Huang, Weifeng Liu, Xueqing Qiu, Conghua Yi
Summary: Lignin-derived carbon monoliths with active carbonyl groups and enlarged interlayer spacing were successfully prepared through oxalate pyrolysis and explosion strategy. These carbon monoliths exhibit high lithium storage capacity, superior rate capability, and cycling performance, making them promising candidates for future lithium-based energy storage.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingyu Wang, Wenhao Chen, Dongjie Yang, Zhiqiang Fang, Weifeng Liu, Ting Xiang, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: This study presents a strategy to transform disordered lignin into ordered photonic lignin for the fabrication of functional structural color materials. The photonic lignin exhibits tunable structural colors and shows excellent biocompatibility, making it promising for applications in optical devices, cosmetics, and food packaging.
Article
Polymer Science
Jin Wang, He Zhang, Junjie Lei, Mengxuan Wu, Weifeng Liu, Jin-Ping Qu
Summary: In this study, a programmable semicrystalline network with a broad melting transition is reported, which exhibits reversible elongation. The structural origins and mechanisms of the reversible elongation are investigated by experiments and theoretical analysis. The findings provide basic guidelines for the design and development of stress-free 2W-SM polymers and pave new avenues for improving the reversible elongation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhenrong Tan, Chang Geun Yoo, Dongjie Yang, Weifeng Liu, Xueqing Qiu, Dafeng Zheng
Summary: This study reports a sustainable and facile strategy for constructing lignin/cellulose aerogels with low density, high mechanical strength, and excellent elasticity, which have a wide potential for applications in various fields.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haixu Wang, Dongyu Zhu, Weifeng Liu, Jianhua Huang, Jinhao Huang, Dongjie Yang, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: In this study, homogeneous and stable LWPU emulsions were prepared using low-molecular-weight lignin, and strong and tough LWPU/lignin nanocomposites were prepared by blending DAL nanomicelles with LWPU emulsions. The nanocomposites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and photothermal conversion ability, and the DAL nanoparticles enhanced the aging-induced self-reinforcing properties of the nanocomposites.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhikai Tu, Jin Wang, Weifeng Liu, Zhijun Chen, Jinhao Huang, Jinxing Li, Hongming Lou, Xueqing Qiu
Summary: A photothermal domino strategy is presented to construct fast-response artificial phototropic materials by optimizing the photothermal generation, heat conduction, and thermal actuation through a coordination effect. By using lignin-based organic radicals, a coordination effect is achieved to enhance photothermal conversion. The resulting biomimetic phototropic material exhibits excellent phototropic ability and shows great potential for efficient solar energy utilization.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2022)