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Lignin recovery from cocoa bean shell using microwave-assisted extraction and deep eutectic solvents.
Yujie Mao1, Alex Gerrow2, Ella Ray1
1Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
Bioresource Technology
|January 27, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a sustainable method to extract high-purity lignin from cocoa bean shells using deep eutectic solvents (DES) and microwaves. This novel approach yields 95.5% lignin, offering unique structural properties for potential new applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomass valorization
- Green chemistry
- Polymer science
Background:
- Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer, presents a significant opportunity for valorization.
- Cocoa Bean Shells (CBS) are a rich, underutilized source of lignin.
- Developing sustainable extraction methods is crucial for biomass upgrading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel and sustainable method for lignin recovery from CBS.
- To optimize lignin extraction using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) and microwave technology.
- To characterize the structural properties of DES-extracted lignin.
Main Methods:
- Selection of a DES (p-toluenesulfonic acid, choline chloride, glycerol) based on dielectric properties.
- Microwave-assisted extraction of lignin from CBS under optimized conditions (200 W, 130°C, 30 min).
- Characterization of extracted lignin's particle size, structural diversity, and subunit ratio compared to Kraft lignin.
Main Results:
- An optimal lignin yield of 95.5% was achieved.
- DES-extracted lignin showed significantly larger particle sizes (242.5 µm D50) and structural diversity (410.4 µm D90-D10) compared to Kraft lignin.
- The H/G subunit ratio of DES-extracted lignin was 71.9%, indicating distinct structural characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Deep Eutectic Solvents combined with microwave irradiation offer an efficient and sustainable route for lignin recovery from CBS.
- The unique structural attributes of DES-extracted lignin suggest its potential for modification and development into novel value-added products.
- This method advances biomass valorization by unlocking the potential of agricultural waste streams.
