Premium
A Two‐Step Approach for the Conversion of Technical Lignins to Biofuels
Author(s) -
Figueirêdo Monique B.,
Venderbosch Robertus H.,
Deuss Peter J.,
Heeres Hero Jan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced sustainable systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.499
H-Index - 24
ISSN - 2366-7486
DOI - 10.1002/adsu.201900147
Subject(s) - organosolv , lignin , chemistry , biofuel , depolymerization , catalysis , methanol , raw material , pulp and paper industry , organic chemistry , hydrodeoxygenation , hydrogenolysis , solvent , chemical engineering , waste management , selectivity , engineering
Lignocellulose is a widely available carbon source and a promising feedstock for the production of advanced second‐generation biofuels. Nonetheless, lignin, one of its major components, is largely underutilized and only considered an undesired byproduct. Through catalytic hydrotreatment, the highly condensed lignin can be partially depolymerized into a range of monomers. However, its recalcitrance and the presence of aromatic fragments linked by CC bonds require extensive cracking, which is challenging to achieve. Here, a two‐step strategy is reported in which an initial pretreatment step with ozone is used prior to catalytic hydrotreatment to boost lignin depolymerization. Three types of lignin (Kraft, pyrolytic, and Fabiola organosolv) are used as feedstocks and the ozonation step is performed under ambient conditions with either methanol or ethanol as the solvent. The pretreatment is shown to have a positive effect on the subsequent hydrotreatment reaction (Pd/C, 350 °C, 100 bar H 2 ) and gives product oils with significantly lower M w (up to 43% lower), higher volatility, and improved calorific values (up to 45.3 MJ kg −1 ) compared to a direct hydrotreatment.