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Microbial fuel cell‐mediated lignin depolymerization: a sustainable approach
Author(s) -
Sharma Rakesh K,
Mukhopadhyay Dhruva,
Gupta Pratima
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.5841
Subject(s) - depolymerization , vanillin , lignin , microbial fuel cell , chemistry , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , organic chemistry , straw , electrochemistry , chemical engineering , inorganic chemistry , electrode , anode , engineering
Background A microbial electrochemical cell was designed for lignin depolymerization. Alkali‐extracted wheat straw lignin was used as catholyte in a microbial fuel cell and operated for six days. At the cathode, lignin was depolymerized by H 2 O 2 , produced during microbial fuel cell operation. Results The power density reached its maximum over two to three days (0.58 µW cm −2 ), and declined thereafter. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the residual lignin indicated the cleavage of C–O–C (β‐O‐4) bonds without disturbing the phenolic ring structure and high‐power liquid chromatography analysis confirmed the presence of vanillin in the depolymerized sample. Conclusion The proposed strategy involves a self‐sustainable microbial electrochemical process to convert complex lignin into low molecular weight value‐added aromatic chemicals such as vanillin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry