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
Zhiwen Wang, Peter J. Deuss
Summary: The study investigated the differences in lignin structure from different plant materials and found that lignin structure has an impact on product yield and distribution, with NMR analysis correlating with hydrogenolysis products. Moreover, residual polysaccharide constituents were found to influence the selectivity towards hydroxy-containing monomers, emphasizing the importance of structural characterization and compositional analysis of starting materials.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xue Gong, Jiankui Sun, Xiangya Xu, Bo Wang, Helong Li, Feng Peng
Summary: The study demonstrated the successful utilization of a low-cost MoO2/C catalyst for reductive catalytic fractionation of various herbaceous biomass feedstocks, resulting in high yields and selectivity of phenolic monomers, along with the production of solid carbohydrate pulps suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun Hee Jang, David G. Brandner, Reagan J. Dreiling, Arik J. Ringsby, Jeremy R. Bussard, Lisa M. Stanley, Renee M. Happs, Anjaneya S. Kovvali, Joshua I. Cutler, Tom Renders, James R. Bielenberg, Yuriy Roman-Leshkov, Gregg T. Beckham
Summary: Reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) is an effective method for selectively extracting and depolymerizing lignin from biomass. Multi-pass flow-through RCF reduces solvent demand without compromising delignification and monomer yield.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Brandi, Markus Antonietti, Majd Al-Naji
Summary: Sodium lignosulfonate was converted into low molecular weight fractions using solvothermal and catalytic hydrogenolysis/hydrogenation fragmentation methods in a continuous flow system, demonstrating the efficient deconstruction of lignin at elevated temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suthawan Muangmeesri, Ning Li, Dimitrios Georgouvelas, Pierre Ouagne, Vincent Placet, Aji P. Mathew, Joseph S. M. Samec
Summary: The study showed a method to convert hemp hurd into high-content monophenolic compounds through RCF technology, resulting in dissolving-grade pulp and nanocellulose suitable for textile fiber production. This method may increase textile fiber production and obtain bio-oil for green chemicals.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raul Rinken, Dean Posthuma, Roberto Rinaldi
Summary: Reductive Catalytic Fractionation (RCF) produces lignin oil and high-quality cellulosic pulps, but the complexity of lignin oil makes it challenging to analyze. To investigate the mechanisms of lignin stabilization and structural features of carbohydrates, fractionation methods are required. This study examines solvent fractionation as a method to produce lignin oil fractions for characterization. The solvent fractionation allows for determining structural heterogeneity using high-resolution HSQC NMR spectroscopy. The study also investigates the role of the hydrogenation catalyst in stabilizing lignin fragments and defining the structural features of hemicellulose-derived carbohydrates in lignin oil obtained by the RCF process.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Meenu Jindal, Priyanka Uniyal, Bhaksar Thallada
Summary: Currently, the main focus of using lignocellulosic biomass is to produce pulp/paper, energy, sugars, and bioethanol, disregarding the high content of aromatic carbon and energy in lignin. The 'lignin-first' or 'reductive catalytic fractionation' (RCF) process has been developed in recent years to selectively produce phenolic monomers from lignin under mild reaction conditions. This study aims to review the recent developments of the 'lignin-first' process and highlights the contribution of RCF biorefinery towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), concluding with an overview of challenges and upcoming opportunities.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Leandro Alves de Souza, Priscilla Magalhaes de Souza, Gleicielle Tozzi Wurzler, Victor Teixeira da Silva, Debora A. Azevedo, Robert Wojcieszak, Fabio Bellot Noronha
Summary: This study investigated the depolymerization reactions of cellulose and hemicellulose during the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass using an isopropyl alcohol/water mixture and the Raney-Ni catalyst. Model molecules and the fractionation of sugar cane bagasse were used to understand the role of the catalyst and propose reaction pathways. The results showed that the selectivity to desired products could be tuned by balancing hydrogenation and hydro-genolysis capacity, and the support of the catalyst played an important role in product distribution.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Kai Wu, Yushuai Sang, Saravanan Kasipandi, Yiming Ma, Hairui Jiao, Qingfeng Liu, Hong Chen, Yongdan Li
Summary: In this study, depolymerization of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL) was carried out using one-step hydrothermal-synthesized MoS2 in ethanol without hydrogen gas. Value-added aromatic molecules, mainly alkyl-substituted phenols (A-Ps), were obtained without the formation of char or tar. The highest aromatic monomer yield of 226.4 mg/g EHL was achieved over the MoS2 prepared with thioacetamide and sodium molybdate as precursors (STA-MoS2) at 320 degrees C for 12 h. Proper ratios of Mo6+/Mo5+ and (Mo6++Mo5+)/Mo4+ on the surface of MoS2 catalysts were found to be significant for attaining high overall aromatic monomer yield. MoOxSy species with Mo5+ and S22- was proposed as the active site for the production of complex alkyl phenols via demethoxylation and alkylation. Carbon deposition and exchanges of sulfur and oxygen atoms resulting from oxidation are likely responsible for catalyst deactivation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yilu Wu, Jieyi Wen, Changsheng Su, Chenhang Jiang, Changwei Zhang, Yankun Wang, Yongjie Jiang, Wenqiang Ren, Peiyong Qin, Di Cai
Summary: This study investigated the negative influences of residual lignin oil on the surface of RCF pulp towards different industrial microbes and analyzed the resistance of different categories of industrial strains to RCF lignin oil. Batch fermentation results revealed that RCF lignin oil limited the metabolism of sugars and the production pathways of bio-alcohols by microorganisms.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao Liu, Tingting Cai, Xiaoyan Yin, Jie Liang, Shuya Jia, Xiaolei Zhang, Junming Xu, Jun Hu, Jianchun Jiang, Kui Wang
Summary: This method efficiently fractionates the entire lignocellulosic component by adding isopropanol to maintain the quality of lignin components and utilizing formic acid and molten salt hydrate to promote the dissolution of hemicellulose and lignin.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Hee Jang, Ana Rita C. Morais, Megan Browning, David G. Brandner, Jacob K. Kenny, Lisa M. Stanley, Renee M. Happs, Anjaneya S. Kovvali, Joshua I. Cutler, Yuriy Roman-Leshkov, James R. Bielenberg, Gregg T. Beckham
Summary: Many biomass conversion technologies focus on specific processing conditions for individual feedstocks, while neglecting the need for a practical operational window for processing a wide range of lignocellulosic biomass substrates. This study demonstrates the feedstock flexibility of reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) in both batch and flow-through modes, effectively processing various biomass types (hardwoods, softwoods, and herbaceous monocots) regardless of their composition and structure differences. RCF with methanol as a solvent achieves high delignification and lignin monomer yields from different biomasses, while adding water as a co-solvent improves delignification values even further. The results indicate that RCF with an alcohol/water mixture can consistently handle a broad range of lignocellulosic biomasses.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ni Wei, Shuang Qi, Guanhua Wang, Jing Ge, Wenjie Sui, Hao Sun, Ashak Mahmud Parvez, Hongyu Jia, Chuanling Si
Summary: This study presents an efficient acid-promoted reductive depolymerization of lignin using lignin monomer analogues as a capping agent, achieving high yields of phenolic monomers and oligomers under mild conditions without external H2. The approach was also successful in lignin-first biomass fractionation, resulting in high yields of phenolic monomers and delignification, as well as concurrent dissociation of xylan.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aleksandr S. Kazachenko, Valery E. Tarabanko, Angelina V. Miroshnikova, Valentin V. Sychev, Andrey M. Skripnikov, Yuriy N. Malyar, Yuriy L. Mikhlin, Sergey V. Baryshnikov, Oxana P. Taran
Summary: This study presents reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of flax shive in ethanol and isopropanol using a bifunctional catalyst (Ru/C) and molecular hydrogen at elevated temperatures, resulting in solvolytic depolymerization of lignin and hemicelluloses. The catalytic hydrogenation effectively stabilizes lignin intermediates, preventing repolymerization reactions and producing a lignin fraction with high depolymerization degree. Bifunctional catalysts Ru/C significantly increase the conversion and yield of monophenolic compounds in the hydrogenation of flax shive.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen-Zhe Xiao, Ling-Ping Xiao, Yue-Qin Yang, Shang-Ru Zhai, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: This study reports a catalyst consisting of silver nanoparticles immobilized on an amine-functionalized metal-organic framework, which exhibits superior degradation efficiency and recyclability for organic pollutant remediation in water.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andres Boulett, Karina Roa, Estefania Oyarce, Ling-Ping Xiao, Run-Cang Sun, Guadalupe del C. Pizarro, Julio Sanchez
Summary: In this investigation, absorbent materials based on the polymer poly ([2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) were synthesized by incorporating varying amounts of sodium lignosulfonate (LS). The synthesized materials exhibited increased thermal stability and a porous surface with grooves. The hydration capacity and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal efficiency were evaluated, and the results showed that the materials had a high hydration capacity and achieved a maximum Cr(VI) removal efficiency when prepared with 5.00 wt% LS. The presence of interfering species decreased the maximum retention of Cr(VI), but the materials could still be reused multiple times without significant loss of efficiency. Therefore, the synthesized absorbent material has promising properties for the removal of metal anions in wastewater.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaofei Sun, Shaochao Sun, Kangning Liu, Ling-Ping Xiao, Jiliang Ma, Runcang Sun
Summary: In this study, a novel metal-free photocatalyst (4CzIPN@CMC-HG) was proposed, which achieved efficient photocatalytic biomass conversion to value-added chemicals. 4CzIPN@CMC-HG exhibited excellent photon-to-electron conversion rate, visible light absorption, and photocatalytic activity for lactic acid production. The system also showed universality, stability, and potential industrial application. The trapping experiments revealed the contributions of different reactive species in lactic acid synthesis, with O-2(-) playing a leading role.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wen-Zheng Yin, Ling-Ping Xiao, Shuang-Lin Zou, Wen-Xin Li, Hongliang Wang, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: A novel strategy using a commercial Pd/C catalyst was proposed to produce monophenolic compounds from fermented corn stover. By controlling the reaction temperature, the highest monomer yield of 28.5 wt% was achieved at 220 degrees C, compared to 22.8 wt% for pristine corn stover. The enhanced monophenol yield was attributed to higher lignin content and lower recalcitrance in the fermented stover. The results demonstrated a potential avenue for the valorization of lignin through reductive catalytic fractionation of agricultural waste.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ling-Ping Xiao, Yi-Hui Lv, Yue-Qin Yang, Shuang-Lin Zou, Zheng-Jun Shi, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: The structure of cellulolytic enzyme lignin (CEL) derived from three bamboo species was analyzed. The bamboo lignin was found to be a p-hydroxyphenyl-guaiacyl-syringyl (H-G-S) lignin associated with p-coumarates and ferulates. Advanced NMR analyses revealed extensive acylation of the isolated CELs. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignin resulted in the identification of six major monomeric products. The insights gained from this study could contribute to a better understanding of lignin and its efficient utilization in bamboo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yihan Wang, Shihao Su, Guoyong Song
Summary: In this study, lignins were isolated from different parts of the castor plant and their structural features were investigated. The results showed that the endocarp and epicarp lignins had higher yields and selectivity of aromatic monomers. This work highlights the differences in lignins from various parts of the castor plant and provides a solid theory for the high-value utilization of the whole plant.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiao-Ying Li, Shuang-Lin Zou, Ling-Ping Xiao, Wen-Zhen Yin, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: In this study, industrial alkali lignin was used to prepare low-carbon and environmentally friendly bio-based epoxy thermosetting materials, resulting in improved tensile strength and elongation compared to common BADGE polymers. This work offers a practical approach for the valorization of lignin towards sustainable bioplastics in a circular bioeconomy context.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiao-Ying Li, Ling-Ping Xiao, Shuang-Lin Zou, Qian Xu, Qiang Wang, Yi-Hui Lv, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: By optimizing epoxidation conditions and the crosslinker, researchers have successfully fabricated tunable and mechanically tough lignin-based thermosetting epoxy resins with outstanding thermal stability. Tailoring the dosage of epichlorohydrin, the obtained lignin-based bisphenol A composites exhibit a tensile strength of 11.5 MPa, Young's modulus of 5.0 MPa, and a heat resistance index temperature (Ts) up to 160.0 degrees C. The introduction of oxirane moieties on the lignin backbone limitedly improved the interfacial compatibility of the composite. The enhanced mechanical and thermal properties are attributed to the incorporation of modified lignin segments into the epoxy networks and the corresponding alternation of crosslink structures.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Qingru Shen, Shuizhong Wang, Guoyong Song
Summary: In this study, a unique crystallite structure of C-lignin nanoparticles was discovered, and compositing with PVA resulted in materials with improved mechanical properties and various desirable characteristics. This work introduces a novel sustainable building block for strong polymeric materials and discovers a new route for the valorization of waste biomass.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wenlu Song, Jungang Jiang, Huixin Jiang, Chuantao Liu, Ying Dong, Xue Chen, Ling- Ping Xiao
Summary: This study developed a choline chloride/1,4-butanediol deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment aided with AlCl3/NaOH to dissociate the lignin macromolecular structure of corn straw and promote biohydrogen production. The alkali-catalyzed DES pretreatment achieved a higher yield of biohydrogen production compared to acid-catalyzed DES pretreatment. The enhanced biohydrogen production was attributed to the higher lignin removal rate of the alkali-catalyzed DES pretreatment, which facilitated enzymatic saccharification and dark fermentation of carbohydrate. The recovered lignin from this pretreatment exhibited well-preserved beta-O-4 ' linkages and regular spherical particles.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Minjie Hou, Leiming Wang, Qinuo Ma, Tianyuan Xiao, Yanning Sun, Yanzhu Guo, Xueru Sheng, Ling-Ping Xiao, Fengshan Zhang, Pedram Fatehi, Haiqiang Shi
Summary: A novel process involving dilute acid treatment, activated carbon (AC), and resin treatment was introduced to remove lignin and maintain high sugar concentration in the pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) of the dissolved pulp production process. The results showed that dilute acid post-hydrolysis can effectively remove colloidal and dissolved lignin, and improve the adsorption efficiency of AC and resin. Additionally, high temperature was found to enhance lignin adsorption on AC.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shuizhong Wang, Guoyong Song
Summary: Aromatic compounds are widely used in daily life, but their production relies heavily on fossil resources. A new strategy has been developed to synthesize benzenoid aromatics from bioderived feedstock, offering a more sustainable approach to aromatic production.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jia Shi, Shuizhong Wang, Helong Li, Guoyong Song
Summary: Lignin, a renewable aromatic resource, can be selectively fragmented into hydroxycinnamic derivatives over a ZnMoO4/MCM-41 catalyst, which can then be converted into aromatic diesters. These diesters, when copolymerized with holocellulose-derived compounds, result in aliphatic-aromatic polyesters with controllable properties. The copolyesters can be fully converted into monomers, demonstrating excellent recyclability. This study provides a novel route for the synthesis of functional polymers from sustainable biomass.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qian Xu, Qiang Wang, Ling-Ping Xiao, Xiao-Ying Li, Xi Xiao, Meng-Xin Li, Meng-Ran Lin, Yu-Man Zhao, Run-Cang Sun
Summary: This study reports a metal-organic framework derived copper oxide catalyst that exhibits excellent catalytic properties in the selective reductive catalytic deconstruction (RCD) of lignin, resulting in high yields (up to 42.8 wt%) of monomeric phenols through C-O bond cleavage. The synergy of acid and base sites on the catalyst enhances the catalytic reactivity, leading to the selective production of phenolic compounds with propyl or propanol end chains during the catalytic hydrogenolysis reaction. This study provides new insights for the rational design of Cu-based catalysts for lignin RCD.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shihao Su, Fan-shu Cao, Shuizhong Wang, Qingru Shen, Gen Luo, Qiang Lu, Guoyong Song
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time that tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane can efficiently catalyze the depolymerization of C-lignins containing benzodioxane structures, resulting in high yields of catechol derivatives at room temperature and ambient pressure. This method provides an economic and environmentally-friendly approach for the production of catechols from biomass waste.