Lignin Extraction Using Ionic Liquids and Non-Polar Solvents
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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 thermo-chemical processes for lignin extraction, and existing ionic liquid treatment methods are costly and time-consuming due to 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 aromatic lignin compounds using a non-polar solvent and subsequent separation, which reduces ionic liquid usage and enhances process efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional thermo-chemical processes are used to extract lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, then lignin can be extracted, but high energy input and specialized equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction system by using ionic liquids with specific functional groups (sulfonate, carboxylate, phenolate) instead of conventional high-temperature thermo-chemical processes. This allows lignin extraction at milder conditions, reducing energy input while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ionic liquids as intermediary solvents that mediate between the lignocellulosic biomass and the extraction process. These ionic liquids selectively interact with lignin components, facilitating extraction without requiring extreme temperatures or specialized equipment.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If ionic liquid treatment methods are used to extract lignin, then extraction can be performed under milder conditions, but ionic liquid consumption is high and process time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a reduced amount of ionic liquid (1-10 mL per gram of biomass) compared to conventional methods, combined with extended contact time (at least 3 hours). This optimized ratio reduces overall ionic liquid consumption while achieving effective extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through multiple extraction cycles where the ionic liquid is reused. The process involves contacting biomass with ionic liquid, separating the extract, and repeating the process with the same ionic liquid, thereby reducing total process time and solvent consumption.
3Productivity
If high amounts of ionic liquid are used for treatment, then lignin extraction efficiency is improved, but process cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements recovery of ionic liquid from the extraction process. After extracting lignin from biomass, the ionic liquid is separated from the biomass residue and can be reused in subsequent extraction cycles. This recovery approach maintains high extraction efficiency while significantly reducing the quantity of ionic liquid required per unit of lignin extracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring the extraction efficiency and adjusting the ionic liquid-to-biomass ratio accordingly. The process optimizes ionic liquid consumption by using the minimum amount necessary to achieve effective extraction, with the understanding that the ionic liquid can be recovered and reused.
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 approach allows for the efficient extraction of high-value, renewable lignin compounds with lower ionic liquid consumption, improving the economic viability of the process and maintaining lignin structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as innovative fluids for chemical processing... allowing for the solubilization of crystalline cellulose from biomass
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 and polysaccharide biomass components. Recycling of ionic liquids can be included in the methods of the invention.