Bio-Based Ion-Conducting Copolymers from Lignocellulosic Biomass
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a robust and scalable process to depolymerize, purify, functionalize, and polymerize raw biomass to produce high-performance bio-based polymers, such as pressure sensitive adhesives and polymer electrolytes, while reducing energy and cost associated with 'green' materials fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hydrogenolysis of biomass with a catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to produce depolymerized lignin products, followed by separation, extraction, and functionalization to form bio-based monomers, which are then polymerized to create bio-based copolymers suitable for applications like pressure sensitive adhesives and polymer electrolytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional multi-step processing methods are used to convert biomass to polymers, then product purity and performance can be achieved, but energy consumption and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing steps (depolymerization, purification, and functionalization) into a single integrated catalytic hydrogenolysis process. The catalyst system simultaneously performs depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass, purification through selective bonding, and functionalization to introduce polymerizable groups, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst system is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a depolymerization catalyst, a purification agent through selective bonding with impurities, and a functionalization catalyst for introducing polymerizable groups. This multi-functional approach replaces conventional multi-step processes with a single versatile catalytic system.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional multi-step processing methods are used to convert biomass to polymers, then product purity and performance can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing steps (depolymerization, purification, and functionalization) into a single integrated catalytic hydrogenolysis process. The catalyst system simultaneously performs depolymerization of lignocellulosic biomass, purification through selective bonding, and functionalization to introduce polymerizable groups, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst system is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a depolymerization catalyst, a purification agent through selective bonding with impurities, and a functionalization catalyst for introducing polymerizable groups. This multi-functional approach replaces conventional multi-step processes with a single versatile catalytic system.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive purification steps are used to obtain high-purity monomers from biomass, then monomer quality for polymerization is achieved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst system performs purification action during the depolymerization process itself by selectively bonding with impurities as they are released from the biomass structure. This preliminary purification eliminates the need for subsequent extensive purification steps, saving time and energy while maintaining high monomer purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst acts as an intermediary that selectively interacts with impurities during the depolymerization process. Through selective bonding mechanisms, the catalyst captures and removes impurities as they are generated, allowing direct production of high-purity monomers without additional purification steps.
4Reliability
If traditional petrochemical feedstocks are used, then established polymerization processes can be employed, but sustainability and environmental friendliness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of feedstock origin from petrochemical to lignocellulosic biomass. The catalytic hydrogenolysis process converts renewable biomass into monomers with structures suitable for conventional polymerization, maintaining process reliability while improving sustainability by using renewable, biodegradable feedstocks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the production of high-purity aromatic compounds from raw biomass in high yield, resulting in advanced bio-based polymers with improved thermal stability and performance for various applications, while promoting sustainability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a lignocellulosic biomass with a hydrogenolysis catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at a first temperature, thereby hydrogenolyzing the biomass to produce a mixture of depolymerized lignin products
Implementation Method 2
reacting the at least one extracted depolymerized lignin product containing a phenolic hydroxyl group with a functionalized reagent containing at least one functional group reactive with the phenolic hydroxyl group, thereby forming one or more bio-based monomers
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a bio-based copolymer comprising in polymerized form (i) at least one polymerizable bio-based monomer containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass, and (ii) at least one ion-conducting co-monomer other than the bio-based monomer. Also disclosed herein are binders comprising the bio-based copolymer, electrodes comprising the binder, polymer electrolytes comprising the bio-based copolymer and an electrochemical device comprising an electrode in electrical contact with a polymer electrolyte, wherein at least one of the electrode and the polymer electrolyte comprises the bio-based copolymer.