Themed collection Frontiers in physical chemistry for lignin valorisation

SI₃₂₀ identifies RCF-stabilised lignins with minimal degradation chromophores. GPC–UV–Vis SI₃₂₀(M) profiles show oligomer downshifts from chromophore build-up during catalyst ageing, preceding monomer yield loss.

Using density functional theory calculations, the current work has evaluated the thermodynamics of bond dissociation as a function of structure and chemical composition.

These fully biobased epoxy resins, formulated with unmodified kraft lignins, biobased epichlorohydrin, ethyl lactate, and cashew nutshell curing agent, offer a sustainable pathway for developing BPA-free, sustainable coatings.

Using pumping instead of refluxing, novel fractions of technical lignins are available by employing non-azeotropic solvent mixtures.

Predictive modeling and optimization in a flow-through mild ethanosolv system, balancing solvent use, delignification, and structure preservation of lignin.

The “in situ” formation of lignin nanoparticles into nanocellulose suspensions allowed the development of films with remarkable barrier, mechanical and active properties that could be potentially used in active food packaging.

A central composite design revealed a nuanced relationship among process variables (time, temperature, NaOH concentration, and ratio of lignin to NaOH conc.) on lignin solubilization in aqueous sodium hydroxide.

CuO/m-ZrO₂ catalyst was fabricated for efficient hydrogenolysis of softwood lignin, affording a yield of monophenols up to 18.7 wt% with a high selectivity (82%) for 4-n-propanol guaiacol.

This article addresses current challenges in lignin chemistry by exploring four thematic areas.

A method applying three geometric criteria (distance, angle and lateral displacement) was developed to analyse the presence of π–π-stacking motifs within MD simulations of lignin.

A study presenting esterification of softwood pine lignin and hydrolysis lignin, demonstrating their potential to enhance PLA composites for the development of high-performance sustainable bioplastics.

A side-by-side comparison is carried out between organosolv and ionosolv liquors employed in the formation of lignin nanoparticles.

Conformational rearrangements of lignin chains drive the nucleation of nanoparticles through a synergic effect of hydrogen bonds and π–π stackings.

By precipitation of lignin in black liquor the pulp mill is debottlenecked and can produce more pulp and, in addition, lignin can be valorized. In this study, lignin is transformed to a 100% bio-based composite that can substitute bisphenol A.