Lignocellulosic Biomass Dissolution via DMSO-NaOH-TFA Solvent System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dissolving lignocellulosic biomass is challenging due to its complex structure and poor solubility in existing solvents, leading to underutilization of biomass and uneconomical commercial scale-up processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving reducing lignocellulosic biomass to particles smaller than 200 μm and using a solvent mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to achieve a dissolved lignocellulose solution, which is then electrospun into polymeric nanofibers for biodegradable products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solvents and techniques are used to dissolve lignocellulose, then the process is simple, but the dissolution efficiency is poor and significant biomass remains underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by using a specific mixture of DMSO, NaOH, and TFA with controlled ratios and concentrations. This chemical parameter modification enables effective dissolution of lignocellulose while maintaining economic viability, resolving the contradiction between dissolution efficiency and biomass utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solvent system combining DMSO, NaOH, and TFA rather than using a single solvent. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of each component to achieve complete lignocellulose dissolution, thereby improving productivity and eliminating underutilized biomass.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing solvents are used, then the process is economical, but lignocellulose exhibits poor solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DMSO as an intermediary solvent that facilitates the interaction between NaOH and TFA with lignocellulose. DMSO acts as a mediating agent that enhances the solubility of lignocellulose by modifying the solvent-polymer interaction, thereby improving reliability without compromising process economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the solvent parameters by selecting DMSO as the base solvent and adjusting the concentrations of NaOH and TFA. This parameter optimization achieves complete dissolution of lignocellulose while maintaining cost-effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between solubility and manufacturing ease.
3Ease of operation
If lignocellulosic biomass is used directly, then the process is straightforward, but the complex structure prevents effective dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex lignocellulose structure by breaking it down into soluble components through the action of the DMSO-NaOH-TFA solvent system. This segmentation approach simplifies the operational process by converting the insoluble complex structure into a homogeneous solution that can be easily processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the biomass-solvent system by using a specific temperature range and solvent composition. These parameter modifications overcome the structural complexity of lignocellulose, enabling effective dissolution while maintaining process simplicity.
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 effectively dissolves at least 94% of the lignocellulose fraction, enabling the production of biodegradable nanofibers suitable for products like face masks and fire blankets, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials.
Implementation Method 1
using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) solvents to dissolve the biomass particles and achieve a dissolved lignocellulosic solution
Implementation Method 2
A method for preparing lignocellulosic waste-based polymer nanofibers can include electrospinning the dissolved lignocellulose solution to generate the polymer nanofibers
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dissolving lignocellulosic biomass waste includes obtaining raw lignocellulosic biomass waste, reducing a size of the biomass waste to provide a biomass particle size of less than about 200 μm; using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) solvents to dissolve the biomass particles and achieve a dissolved lignocellulose solution. The present method dissolves at least about 94% of the lignocellulose fraction in the waste biomass. In an embodiment, the biomass particle size can be about 180 μm.