Utilization of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to extract
lignin
is a highly attractive strategy for biomass upgrading. Although acidic
DESs have been extensively investigated, alkaline DESs (ADESs) have
rarely been applied in lignin extraction. Herein, several promising
ADESs were prepared for lignin dissolution and biomass pretreatment.
Lignin solubility showed a good positive correlation with the Kamlet–Taft
parameters and the basicities of the prepared ADESs. Notably, the
highest solubility of alkali lignin (AL), enzymatically hydrolyzed
lignin (EHL), kraft lignin (KL), and dealkaline lignin (DAL) could
reach 49.85, 49.46, 53.14, and 53.17 wt % in ADESs at 60 °C,
respectively. Importantly, the prepared ADESs could efficiently remove
lignin (80.9–97.8%) from corn stover at 120 °C, significantly
improving the enzymatic efficiencies of the residues (71.5–85.4%).
Besides, lignin with relatively intact structures or lignin fragments
with low molecular weight and good dispersion could be successfully
generated. These results confirmed the great potential of ADESs for
biomass upgrading.