Issue 24, 2023

Synergizing mitigated spatial confinement and chemical stabilization of lignin facilitates full utilization of lignocellulose

Abstract

Condensation, dark color and low extraction yield of lignin have hindered the full valorization of biomass during lignocellulosic fractionation. Herein, we introduce a novel biomass fractionation concept that addresses the issue of lignin's spatial confinement. Building upon this concept, we have devised an environmentally friendly and straightforward strategy. This approach involves a combination of selective carboxylation at the Cγ-OH position using citric acid and etherification at the Cα-OH position using butanol. The objective is to mitigate the spatial confinement of lignin and stabilize its active intermediates for lignin extraction. Consequently, up to 91.4 ± 0.2% lignin with a light color can be separated from the recalcitrant softwoods, as a UV blocker to improve the performance of sunscreen cream. The cellulosic residue can be enzymatically digested to glucose with a yield of 80%. The initiated biomass fractionation theory and strategy in this study provide a new concept for the isolation of lignin and full valorization of lignocellulose, promoting the development of a sustainable economy.

Graphical abstract: Synergizing mitigated spatial confinement and chemical stabilization of lignin facilitates full utilization of lignocellulose

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
31 7 2023
Accepted
18 9 2023
First published
19 9 2023

Green Chem., 2023,25, 10415-10423

Synergizing mitigated spatial confinement and chemical stabilization of lignin facilitates full utilization of lignocellulose

J. Zheng, L. Chen, X. Qiu, S. Sun and X. Lin, Green Chem., 2023, 25, 10415 DOI: 10.1039/D3GC02826G

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