2.9 Linkage Sequences in Lignin Populations (LILIPOPS): A glimpse into lignin heterogeneity
Despite several decades of analytical investigations, the elucidation of the complete molecular structure of lignin remains a challenge. State of the art analytical techniques such as advanced NMR techniques have been useful tools to propose global structural motifs based on inter-unit linkage but still lack the proficiency to discerning structural populations with complete linkage sequences. […]
P2.28 – Lignin-based organogels: a tough and flexible renewable solution
Organogels are soft materials fused with an organic liquid phase. Developing organogel with good mechanical durability, non-toxicity, and environmental stability offers potential for diverse applications. However, conventional organogels often rely on synthetic materials and toxic solvents, exhibit insufficient mechanical strength, and involve energy-intensive fabrication methods. Biobased organogels offer certain advantages. In this regard, lignin, a […]
Stefania Bertella
Surfactants are a class of amphiphilic compounds which are essential in various industrial applications, as they can aid in the formation of emulsions, dispersion or act as wetting agents.(1) Despite their wide use, only less than 5% of the current surfactant market share consists of compounds entirely derived from plant wastes and renewable carbon. Lignin, […]
P2.27 – Lignosulfonate oxidation for oxygen management via paired electrolysis
The deoxygenation of aqueous media via oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a membrane electrolysis flow system offers significant advantages over alternative methods for removing dissolved oxygen. This study demonstrates the efficacy of direct lignosulfonate oxidation on bare graphite electrodes to achieve a rapid and significant decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration through paired electrolysis. On […]
P2.26 – Lignin-Silica Sorbent: An Environmentally Friendly Approach to Water Purification
The growing demand for clean water, driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, has intensified the need for effective water purification methods. Contamination by heavy metals, chemical compounds, microplastics, and pharmaceutical waste poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health.Lignin, a natural biopolymer with a high density of functional groups, can effectively bind cations. However, […]
P2.1 – Circular Poly(ethylene terephthalate) with Lignin-Based Toughening Additives
Developing sustainable plastics requires innovative strategies that reduce carbon footprints while enhancing the circularity of widely used materials. In this study, we modified renewable lignin macromolecules with benzoate ethyl functional groups and fractionated into more uniform lignin building blocks in a greener way. Incorporating them into semi-crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) at a 10% weight ratio […]
P2.2 – Phase morphology of plasticized lignin investigated using CP-relaxation ssNMR
One major obstacle to lignin material processing and application is its heterogeneity. Lignins are molecularly heterogeneous, both along the chain and between chains. This heterogeneity stems from both the biosynthesis of lignin (relatively uncontrolled radical coupling) and by cleaving and coupling reactions taking place during processing. Based on this molecular diversity, it appears likely that […]
P2.3 – Mechanistic evaluation of acidic thiourea fractionation with lignan-based tetramer model compound
Lignin valorization remains a key challenge in the development of sustainable biorefineries. However, the inevitable condensation of lignin during the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass results in lower lignin yield and increased heterogeneity, thereby limiting its applications. Acidic thiourea fractionation has been shown to produce high-yield, light-colored lignin under relatively mild conditions. To investigate lignin reactivity […]
P2.4 – Selective lignin-arylation of hemp shives using a hemicellulose derived nucleophile
Preserving the native β-O-4 bonds in lignin by averting recondensation reactions during biomass fractionation is the key priority for lignin-first biorefinery[1]. Herein, a hemicellulose derived aromatic nucleophile was explored as a capping agent to produce arylated-lignin via selective Cα-arylation thereby suppressing lignin recondensation. This fractionation approach was studied using model compounds, which exhibited near quantitative […]
P2.5 – Valorization of lignin as a functional ingredient in food products formulations
Lignin is the most abundant aromatic biopolymer, characterized by its complex and variable structure. Notably, it has the ability to form stable colloidal systems, which are essential for various life science applications, including personal care and food products. Nonetheless, due to its low digestibility and lack of direct nutritional value, lignin has been largely overlooked […]
