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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
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Ultrafast Lignin Extraction from Unusual Mediterranean Lignocellulosic Residues
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Exploring Lignin Conformation in Organic and Deep Eutectic Solvents Using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering.
Subramee Sarkar1, Maggie Kroon2, Daniel Papp1
1Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 24, Lund 223 62, Sweden.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|January 2, 2026
Summary
This study uses small-angle neutron scattering to reveal how lignin
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Biomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Lignin is a promising sustainable biopolymer but challenging to characterize due to aggregation.
- Accurate molecular weight and structural determination are hindered by aggregation and lack of standards.
- Understanding lignin's behavior in different solvents is crucial for its application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely measure lignin's conformation and aggregation in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and deep eutectic solvents (DES).
- To investigate the influence of DES on lignin structure and solvation.
- To provide insights for optimizing lignin processing and applications.
Main Methods:
- Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was employed.
- Lignin samples were analyzed in THF and various DES.
- Solvent polarity was modulated using D2O to observe structural changes.
Main Results:
- Lignin in THF showed loosely associated conformations, with organosolv lignin elongating upon D2O addition.
- Lignin in DES adopted dense, cylindrical, or fractal-like morphologies with strong solvent interactions.
- Lignin structures exhibited varying sensitivity to D2O and temperature in different solvents.
Conclusions:
- Lignin's conformation is highly dependent on the solvent system used.
- Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer unique solvation environments for lignin.
- These findings enable more accurate lignin characterization and processing for advanced biobased materials.
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