Lignin Depolymerization Using Polyol Hydrogen Donors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the paper and pulp industry is the inefficient depolymerization of lignin, which is a valuable source of chemicals, due to the high-energy consumption and waste emission associated with current methods using sulfuric acid or alkali at high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting lignin with a strong hydrogen donor like a polyol to form a solution at a temperature below 100°C, optionally introducing an oxidation agent, and then an anti-solvent to precipitate depolymerized lignin, allowing for higher lignin loading and lower molecular weight depolymerization at reduced temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sulfuric acid or alkali at high temperature is used for lignin depolymerization, then lignin can be depolymerized, but energy consumption increases and waste emission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (180°C) to low temperature (≤100°C) by introducing a polyol solvent system. This parameter change enables lignin depolymerization to proceed efficiently at lower temperatures, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polyol as an intermediary solvent that facilitates lignin dissolution and depolymerization at low temperatures. The polyol acts as a mediator between lignin and the depolymerization process, enabling the reaction to occur under milder conditions without requiring high energy input
2Productivity
If sulfuric acid or alkali at high temperature is used for lignin depolymerization, then lignin can be depolymerized, but waste emission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful high-temperature processing into a beneficial low-temperature process using polyol. This transformation eliminates the harmful waste emissions associated with high-temperature acid or alkali treatment while maintaining effective lignin depolymerization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polyol as a replaceable, environmentally friendly solvent system that can be used in place of persistent harmful chemicals like sulfuric acid and alkali. The polyol system provides the necessary chemical environment for depolymerization without creating long-lasting waste problems
3Stability of the object's composition
If high temperature is used for lignin dissolution, then lignin can be dissolved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the temperature parameter from high (180°C) to low (≤100°C) by introducing polyol solvent. This parameter change enables lignin to dissolve effectively at lower temperatures, resolving the contradiction between achieving stable lignin dissolution and minimizing energy consumption
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 efficient dissolution and depolymerization of lignin at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and waste emission, and can be used in conjunction with ionic liquids for biomass pretreatment and biofuel applications.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the composition with a strong hydrogen donor, such as a polyol, to form a first solution, (c) incubating the first solution at a temperature equal to or less than 100° C., whereby at least 20% by weight of the lignin is dissolved
Implementation Method 2
introducing an oxidation agent to the first solution to form a second solution, wherein the temperature of the second solution is equal to or less than 100° C., whereby lignin is at least partly, substantially, or wholly depolymerized
Implementation Method 3
introducing an anti-solvent to the second solution to precipitate the depolymerized lignin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a method for dissolving and/or depolymerizing lignin comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising lignin, (b) contacting the composition with a strong hydrogen donor, such as a polyol, to form a first solution, (c) incubating the first solution at a temperature equal to or less than 100° C., whereby at least 20% by weight of the lignin is dissolved, (d) optionally introducing an oxidation agent to the first solution to form a second solution, wherein the temperature of the second solution is equal to or less than 100° C., whereby lignin is depolymerized, and (e) optionally introducing an anti-solvent to the second solution to precipitate the depolymerized lignin.