Ni-Al Catalyst for Selective Lignin Depolymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating lignin from woody biomass materials often result in low yields of aromatic monomers due to non-selective depolymerization and structural changes, requiring excessive energy and costly separation processes, while existing catalysts are inefficient in converting lignin into high-value aromatic compounds.
Innovation Solution
A heterogeneous catalyst comprising Ni—Al nano-particles supported on a carrier, such as activated carbon, is used to selectively depolymerize and stabilize lignin, with formic acid reducing molecular weight and generating hydrogen for hydrocracking, allowing for the production of high-substituted aromatic monomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional lignin separation methods (kraft pulping, acid hydrolysis) are used, then lignin can be separated from woody biomass, but the lignin structure is modified with C—C bonds formed that prevent depolymerization to aromatic monomers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses formic acid as a solvent under specific temperature and pressure conditions to extract lignin without forming C—C bonds. This parameter change in the extraction process maintains the original lignin structure with C—O bonds intact, enabling subsequent depolymerization to aromatic monomers while still achieving effective lignin separation from woody biomass.
2Productivity
If non-selective depolymerization methods are used on separated lignin, then some aromatic compounds can be produced, but the depolymerization occurs at random positions resulting in low selectivity and low aromatic monomer yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a heterogeneous catalyst as an intermediary to mediate the depolymerization process. This catalyst enables selective cleavage of C—O bonds at specific positions in the lignin structure, producing aromatic monomers with high selectivity and yield rather than random depolymerization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes formic acid under specific temperature and pressure parameters to enable selective depolymerization. These parameter changes facilitate controlled bond cleavage at specific positions in the lignin structure, achieving high selectivity for aromatic monomer production while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If conventional depolymerization processes are used, then aromatic compounds can be produced, but excessive energy is consumed and expensive separation/extraction/purification processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The heterogeneous catalyst acts as an intermediary that enables depolymerization under milder conditions, reducing energy consumption. The catalyst facilitates selective bond cleavage that produces aromatic monomers with high selectivity, minimizing the need for expensive separation and purification processes while maintaining high production efficiency.
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 enables high-yield production of lignin-derived aromatic monomers like 4-n-propyl guaiacol and 4-n-propenyl syringol, reducing energy consumption and separation costs, while effectively isolating cellulose from woody biomass.
Implementation Method 1
a heterogeneous catalyst, and, then, selective depolymerization of the separated lignin polymer is induced
Implementation Method 2
a solvent containing formic acid is used to reduce a molecular weight of lignin
Implementation Method 3
hydrogen produced by the formic acid converts the lignin to the high-substituted aromatic monomer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a heterogeneous catalyst, a production method thereof, and a method for producing a lignin-derived high-substituted aromatic monomer from a woody biomass material using the heterogeneous catalyst. The heterogeneous catalyst includes a carrier; and a Ni—Al nano-particle supported on the carrier.