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Electrochemical Depolymerization of Lignin in a Biomass‐based Solvent **
Author(s) -
Cruz Márcia G. A.,
Gueret Robin,
Chen Jianhong,
Piątek Jędrzej,
Beele Björn,
Sipponen Mika H.,
Frauscher Marcella,
Budnyk Serhiy,
Rodrigues Bruno V. M.,
Slabon Adam
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.202200718
Subject(s) - depolymerization , lignin , electrochemistry , biomass (ecology) , solvent , chemistry , organic chemistry , green chemistry , chemical engineering , catalysis , reaction mechanism , electrode , oceanography , geology , engineering
Breaking down lignin into smaller units is the key to generate high value‐added products. Nevertheless, dissolving this complex plant polyphenol in an environment‐friendly way is often a challenge. Levulinic acid, which is formed during the hydrothermal processing of lignocellulosic biomass, has been shown to efficiently dissolve lignin. Herein, levulinic acid was evaluated as a medium for the reductive electrochemical depolymerization of the lignin macromolecule. Copper was chosen as the electrocatalyst due to the economic feasibility and low activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction. After depolymerization, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed lignin‐derived monomers and dimers. A predominance of aryl ether and phenolic groups was observed. Depolymerized lignin was further evaluated as an anti‐corrosion coating, revealing enhancements on the electrochemical stability of the metal. Via a simple depolymerization process of biomass waste in a biomass‐based solvent, a straightforward approach to produce high value‐added compounds or tailored biobased materials was demonstrated.