One-Step Extreme Delignification to Simultaneously Produce High-Purity Cellulose and Phenolated Lignin.

Area of Science:

• Biomass Fractionation
• Green Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Conventional forest product strategies yield low-value lignin, typically burned for energy.
• Existing methods focus on high-brightness cellulose, often at the expense of lignin quality.
• There is a need for integrated processes that valorize both cellulose and lignin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient one-pot fractionation system for lignocellulosic biomass.
• To simultaneously produce high-purity cellulose pulp and reactive phenolated lignin.
• To establish a sustainable biorefinery platform for economic and environmental benefits.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a formic acid-phenol-water (FP) system for extreme delignification.
• Employing active phenol to enhance lignin removal and prevent condensation.
• Fractionating lignocellulosic biomass into distinct cellulose and lignin fractions.

Main Results:

• Achieved production of high-purity/brightness cellulose pulp suitable for dissolving pulp applications (e.g., textiles).
• Generated in situ phenolated lignin with high reactivity, suitable for direct use as a bioadhesive in plywood.
• Demonstrated a competitive reaction mechanism involving phenol to improve lignin removal efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The FP system offers a sustainable and efficient pathway for lignocellulosic biomass fractionation.
• This process enables the co-production of high-value cellulose and lignin, enhancing biorefinery economics.
• The developed method supports the creation of advanced bio-based materials and adhesives.