P2.7 – Reactive extrusion as a green tool for lignin valorization
The application of lignin in the production of advanced bio-based materials has been largely constrained due to its complex structure, which highly depends on its botanical source and isolation method. Typically, lignin requires chemical modification to enhance its utility in material applications. However, conventional procedures often necessitate the use of bulk solvents and excess reagents, […]
P2.6 – Ultrasound-treated LNPs with controlled size, morphology and functionalities, and their incorporation into thermoplastic polymers
In this work, a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was adopted to systematically delve into lignin ultrasonication, so as to establish qualitative and quantitative cause-effect relationships between the operating variables (i.e., lignin concentration (C), processing time (t), and ultrasonication power (P)) and the properties of the so-obtained nanoparticles. Aqueous suspensions at different lignin concentrations were […]
P2.11 – Polymerization of Lignin in presence of carbohydrates, effect on linkage sequence
Lignin is the most abundant natural aromatic polymer on earth, promising an abundant source of renewable feedstock for future material applications [1]. Lignin is closely assembled with hemicellulose and cellulose in the plant cell wall, and deeper knowledge on the interactions and influences between these biomacromolecules is needed for effective valorization [2].Polymerization of synthetic lignin […]
P2.10 – Tailoring Lignin for Thermoset Applications: A Comparative Study of Carboxymethylation and Oxidative Carboxylation
Lignin, a renewable aromatic polymer, has significant potential as a building block for thermoset materials. This study examines two different methods for modifying lignin to enhance its reactivity: carboxymethylation and oxidative carboxylation. Both approaches introduce carboxylic acid groups, which serve as chemical handles for crosslinking during curing. These groups are particularly useful because they allow […]
P2.9 – A study of hemicellulose-modified lignin nanoparticles towards versatile Pickering emulsifiers
As a unique natural phenolic polymer, lignin presents a multitude of opportunities to be developed into a sustainable replacement for many functional materials. One of the most common ways to functionalize lignin is by converting it into lignin nanoparticles (LNPs), which allows the tailoring of their surface properties. Such conversion opens up the avenue towards […]
P2.8 – Effect of natural variation and environmental conditions on cell type-specific lignins and lignin-associated genes
Lignins are essential for plants to establish vasculo-skeletal structures and intercellular impermeability. To do so each cell wall layer and cell type adjusts differently the spatial distribution, concentration and chemistry of their lignins (Pesquet et al., 2025). Abiotic conditions like water availability, geographical location and climate set specific adaptive pressures on plants. To date only […]
P2.12 – The impact of the chemical structure of lignin on the morphological and electrochemical performance of its hard carbon
Through pyrolysis, lignin can be converted into hard carbon (HC) with a disordered structure and large interlayer spacing, making it a promising precursor for electrodes used in supercapacitors and batteries. To gain a deeper understanding of the charge storage mechanism in lignin-derived HC, lignin obtained from various wood species and processes was utilized in this […]
P2.13 – Catalytic Conversion of Solvent-Processed Lignin into Sustainable Chemicals and Materials
Lignin, an abundant aromatic biopolymer accounting for nearly one-third of the organic carbon in the biosphere, remains underutilized compared to the holocellulosic fraction of lignocellulosic biomass. Its structural heterogeneity and the condensation reactions induced by conventional delignification methods (e.g., Kraft, sulfite processes) create significant barriers to efficient depolymerization and valorization. In contrast, solvent-based fractionation—including ionic […]
P2.14 – Synergistic catalyst Ru/NbOPO4/TiO2 for selective hydrodeoxygenation of phenolics – towards lignin valorization
Lignin valorization has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its abundance and its potential as a potential renewable organic carbon resource to produce a variety of value-added chemicals and fuel additives. Catalytic upgrading of lignin faces challenges due to its complex structure and an active catalyst with selective surface properties is needed to […]
P2.15 – Lignin: Towards UV-Curable Coatings
Coatings are essential in modern society, providing protection, aesthetics, and functionality to various materials. Chemically cross-linked thermosetting materials are widely used for their mechanical strength and stability against chemicals and high temperatures [1]. UV-induced curing of these materials is efficient in energy consumption, reaction time, and reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions [2]. While UV-curable […]
