A New Process for Catalytic Fractionation of Organo-Solv Lignin to Biofuels

Topic: Fuels, Petrochemicals, and Energy

Title: A New Process for Catalytic Fractionation of Organo-solv Lignin to Biofuels

By: Joseph Molle and Jonathon Waterman

With guidance from: Dr. Malek Alkasrawi and Dr. Joynal Abedin

From the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

Our current research project has developed a new technology for converting organo-solv lignin to biofuels and high value chemicals. Organo-solv lignin is extracted and recovered in mass quantities from the delignification process of lignocellulosic materials such as wheat straw and pulp used in the production of paper. The technology utilized in this research involves a novel nickel catalyst that has been synthesized specifically for lignin fractionation to simpler, more practical chemicals. The catalyst has a particular functionality as it targets specific groups in the diverse lignin polymer to yield products such as vanillin, benzene and toluene. In addition, this new process that we have developed is economical and sustainable due to several cost savings configurations. For example, the catalyst used has been recovered and recycled while still having the ability to depolymerize lignin. Furthermore, the solvent used may be recycled, which will minimize the overall production cost and waste of the process. This process is economically viable because the chemicals produced from the depolymerization of lignin can be utilized in several industries such as the fuel, pharmaceutical, food and fragrance industries. The extracted lignin that is recovered in the delignification process of products such as paper-making pulp and wheat straw currently has little to no value. Instead of paying to dispose of this recovered lignin in landfills, which is often the only method to get rid of the lignin, this unique research creates an opportunity to convert this intricate lignin by-product into several simpler chemicals that are practical in the aforementioned industries. This research explores a unique method of recycling the largest waste product in the Pulp and Paper Industry, which provides many opportunities to expand beyond the laboratory and carry out this process on a pilot and potentially a commercial scale. The capital and operating expenditures associated with this process can be offset by the high profits from the production of these valuable chemicals and fuels with their various markets in the industrial world.