Biocompatible organosolv fractionation via a novel alkaline lignin-first strategy towards lignocellulose valorization

Li, Wuhuan; Wang, Yunxuan; Tan, Xuesong; Miao, Changlin; Ragauskas, Arthur J.; Zhuang, Xinshu

doi:10.1016/j.cej.2024.148695

Biocompatible organosolv fractionation via a novel alkaline lignin-first strategy towards lignocellulose valorization

Journal Article · Thu Jan 11 00:00:00 EST 2024 · Chemical Engineering Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.148695· OSTI ID:2376322

Li, Wuhuan ^[1]; ^[2]; Tan, Xuesong ^[3]; Miao, Changlin ^[3]; ^[4]; Zhuang, Xinshu ^[1]

Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (China); Univ. of Science and Technology of China, Hefei (China)
Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States)
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (China)
Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States); Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Joint Institute for Biological Sciences (JIBS)

Simultaneous valorization of both carbohydrate and lignin fractions in lignocellulose remains a great challenge. Herein, a novel lignin-first strategy using triethylene glycol (TEG) under alkaline conditions for effective biomass fractionation producing highly digestible carbohydrates and reactive lignin was developed. Delignification was over 80% and fermentable sugar yields were close to 90% after pretreatment at 90°C. The biocompatibility of TEG allowed direct enzymatic hydrolysis of the solid residue without washing, thus minimizing wastewater generation. Furthermore, the obtained lignin (TEGL) had an uncondensed structure with well-preserved β-O-4 linkage, leading to near-equal aromatic monomer yields compared to cellulolytic enzyme lignin after catalytic-free pyrolysis, demonstrating high valorization potential. Finally, the proposed TEG solvent system is promising for a green and sustainable biorefinery process to achieve the complete utilization of lignocellulose.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 2376322

Journal Information:: Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Vol. 481; ISSN 1385-8947

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
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Biocompatible organosolv fractionation via a novel alkaline lignin-first strategy towards lignocellulose valorization

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