Progress in research on lignin degradation
The Biomass Energy Group at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, collaborated with researchers from Tohoku University in Japan and the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Their joint study revealed a breakthrough in lignin processing: when phenol is introduced, lignin can be fully dissolved in high-pressure hot water. The team explained that this occurs because the high-pressure environment enhances the hydrolysis of lignin into phenol oil, while the addition of phenol prevents the re-polymerization of the resulting oil, making the process more efficient.
In their published research, the scientists have mapped out the detailed reaction pathway and mechanism for lignin degradation under high-pressure hot water conditions. According to their findings, lignin can be completely broken down into phenol oil, which can then be further refined into bioplastics, chemicals, and biofuels. This discovery opens up new possibilities for utilizing lignin, which was previously considered one of the most stable and difficult-to-degrade polymers, especially in biological or thermal conversion processes.
Lignin is a complex polymer primarily made up of phenolic compounds and is commonly found in plant cell walls. It is abundant in byproducts such as fiber alcohol and waste from paper mills. Traditionally, lignin has been seen as a challenging material to recycle or convert into useful products. However, this innovative method offers a promising solution for the sustainable utilization of lignin, potentially transforming it from a waste product into a valuable resource. This research represents a significant step forward in biomass energy and green chemistry.
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