Thermodynamic screening of lignin dissolution in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate–water mixtures

Abstract

The heat of lignin dissolution in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C₄mim]OAc, 60–100 wt%)–water mixtures was experimentally determined. The dissolution was exothermal, indicating that increasing temperature didn't favor lignin dissolution. The minimum dissolution heat was obtained with 70 wt% [C₄mim]OAc. Adding water enabled the mixtures to reach the thermodynamic stable state sooner.