Lignin-derived deep eutectic solvent for biomass fractionation based on α,γ-diol lignin stabilization strategy

Area of Science:

• Biomass Conversion and Biorefining
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Biomass recalcitrance hinders efficient conversion into valuable chemicals.
• Sustainable and effective pretreatment methods are crucial for biorefineries.
• Lignin recondensation and deposition are significant challenges in biomass pyrolysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel lignin-derived deep eutectic solvent (LDES) pretreatment method.
• To stabilize lignin using an α,γ-diol strategy during biomass pretreatment.
• To enhance biomass pyrolysis and facilitate efficient biomass fractionation and valorization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a lignin-derived deep eutectic solvent (LDES) for biomass pretreatment.
• Employed an α,γ-diol lignin stabilization strategy.
• Performed subsequent pyrolysis to analyze product yields and lignin characteristics.

Main Results:

• Achieved 97.05% delignification and 83.09% hemicellulose removal.
• Maintained 84.12% cellulose content, yielding 38.93 wt% levoglucosan.
• Isolated low molecular weight lignin (1873 g/mol) with preserved β-O-4 linkages (28.37/100Ar).

Conclusions:

• LDES pretreatment effectively deconstructs biomass and inhibits lignin recondensation.
• The method facilitates high yields of levoglucosan and valuable lignin fractions.
• Tunable LDES shows promise for efficient biomass fractionation and closed-loop biorefinery concepts.