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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:18
Extraction of Lignin with High β-O-4 Content by Mild Ethanol Extraction and Its Effect on the Depolymerization Yield
Published on: January 7, 2019
20.9K
Techno-economic optimization of a process superstructure for lignin valorization
Ada Josefina Robinson1, Aristide Giuliano2, Omar Y Abdelaziz3
1Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, I-84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
Bioresource Technology
|September 26, 2022
Summary
Valorizing lignin, a biomass byproduct, into valuable chemicals like aromatic monomers and resins is feasible. An optimization model shows profitability depends on market prices for these biobased products.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Valorization
- Chemical Engineering
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Lignin is an abundant aromatic biopolymer often treated as a biorefinery waste.
- Significant potential exists for converting lignin into high-value chemicals and fuels.
- Current biorefinery models often overlook lignin's economic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated optimization model for technical lignin conversion.
- To assess the economic viability of producing aromatic monomers, phenol-formaldehyde resins, and aromatic aldehydes/acids from lignin.
- To compare various lignin conversion technologies based on their Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
Main Methods:
- An integrated superstructure-based optimization model was formulated.
- Mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) was employed for optimization.
- Several alternative conversion pathways using technologies like hydrothermal liquefaction, solvent dissolution, and high-temperature electrolysis were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Technical lignin can achieve a market value of 200 €/t under specific market conditions.
- Profitability is achieved when market prices for aromatic monomers, resins, and vanillin are at least 2.0, 0.8, and 15.0 €/kg, respectively.
- Aromatic monomers and resins were found to be unprofitable at lower selling prices.
Conclusions:
- The economic feasibility of lignin valorization is highly dependent on market prices for derived products.
- Integrated optimization models are crucial for assessing the profitability of biorefinery processes.
- Specific conversion technologies and target products influence the overall economic performance of lignin-based valorization.
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