Ionic Liquid Lignin Extraction Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
The economic viability of biorefineries is limited by the recalcitrant nature of lignocellulosic biomass, which requires energy-intensive and costly thermo-chemical processes for lignin extraction, and existing ionic liquid treatment processes are inefficient due to high energy and time consumption, as well as high ionic liquid usage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting polymeric lignin with an ionic liquid for at least 3 hours, followed by extraction of low molecular weight or monomeric non-polar aromatic lignin compounds using a suitable extractant, and subsequent separation of these compounds from the ionic liquid, reducing the amount of ionic liquid required and improving process economics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If thermo-chemical processes are used to extract lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, then lignin can be extracted, but high energy inputs and high costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using ionic liquids with specific compositions and properties instead of traditional thermo-chemical processes. The ionic liquids operate at milder temperatures and pressures, fundamentally altering the processing conditions to reduce energy input while maintaining effective lignin extraction and depolymerization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ionic liquids as intermediary substances that facilitate lignin extraction and depolymerization. These ionic liquids act as mediators between the biomass and the extraction process, enabling efficient lignin recovery without requiring the high energy inputs of traditional thermo-chemical methods
2Ease of operation
If existing ionic liquid treatment processes are used to treat biomass, then biomass can be solubilized, but high energy and time consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes processing parameters including temperature, time, and ionic liquid composition to achieve efficient biomass solubilization. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the process reduces both energy consumption and processing time compared to existing ionic liquid treatment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using optimized amounts of ionic liquids and processing times that are sufficient to achieve the desired solubilization and depolymerization effects without excessive treatment, thereby reducing both time and energy inputs while maintaining effective biomass treatment
3Ease of operation
If existing ionic liquid treatment processes are used, then biomass can be treated, but high ionic liquid usage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration and composition parameters of ionic liquids to optimize treatment efficiency. By using optimized ionic liquid formulations at appropriate concentrations, the process achieves effective biomass treatment with reduced ionic liquid usage compared to existing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using optimized, minimal amounts of ionic liquids that are sufficient to achieve effective biomass treatment and lignin depolymerization. This avoids excessive ionic liquid usage while maintaining the necessary treatment efficacy
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 efficient extraction of high-value, renewable lignin compounds with lower ionic liquid usage, enhancing the economic viability of the process by reducing energy and time inputs while maintaining high yields of valuable lignin-derived products.
Implementation Method 1
ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as innovative fluids for chemical processing... allowing for the solubilization of crystalline cellulose from biomass under relatively mild conditions
Implementation Method 2
extracting low molecular weight or monomeric non-polar aromatic lignin compounds from the ionic liquid with an extractant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides novel and improved processes for treating a lignocellulosic biomass or technical lignin using ionic liquids to obtain lignin breakdown products.