Lignin for polymer and nanoparticle production: Current status and challenges

Abstract

In pulp production processes, lignin is generated in large quantities as a by‐product. It is often burned to generate heat and electricity. Despite the large‐scale production of lignin, its utilization in high‐value applications has remained a challenge. Recently, the production of lignin nanoparticles (LNP) and lignin polymers has gathered attention. The potential to use LNPs as reinforcement filler, UV absorbent, antioxidant, and drug carrier has been reported, while lignin polymers might be suitable for the production of composites, hydrogels, flocculants, and coagulants. This review paper provides insights into the production and application of LNP and lignin polymers. In addition, the challenges associated with the characterization and use of these products are comprehensively reviewed.

Spherical lignin particles: a review on their sustainability and applications

“…molecular mass, surface energy, solvation, thermal stability) of the lignin particles tend to mirror the ones from the starting lignin precursor. 38,64,65,167 Therefore it is reasonable to suggest that the morphological distinction between the lignin nanoparticles and their macrostructured counterparts is the only parameter modifying their rate of degradation and stability. For instance, the rate of surface-associated degradation mechanisms (e.g.…”

Direct Precipitation of Lignin Nanoparticles from Wheat Straw Organosolv Liquors Using a Static Mixer

“…Vast amounts of solvents are needed to purify the lignin prior to precipitation, the precipitation itself and the downstream processing [31].This work is focused on the direct precipitation of lignin nanoparticles from organosolv pretreatment extracts (OSE) in a wheat straw biorefinery potentially reducing the solvent consumption of the entire process. Therefore, it is also tackling the challenge that may be associated with the large-scale commercialization of lignin nano-and microparticles where the particle precipitation should be integrated into, or be in harmony with, lignin extraction processes so that lignin polymers and LNPs can be produced by industry on a large commercial scale [32].The precipitation is conducted in a static mixer, which results in smaller particles compared to a batch precipitation [33]. It combines the most commonly used precipitation methods, solvent shifting and pH shifting, and reduces lignin solubility by decreasing the solvent concentration and lowering the pH value [31].…”

“…This work is focused on the direct precipitation of lignin nanoparticles from organosolv pretreatment extracts (OSE) in a wheat straw biorefinery potentially reducing the solvent consumption of the entire process. Therefore, it is also tackling the challenge that may be associated with the large-scale commercialization of lignin nano-and microparticles where the particle precipitation should be integrated into, or be in harmony with, lignin extraction processes so that lignin polymers and LNPs can be produced by industry on a large commercial scale [32].…”

Preface for the 29th Inter‐American Congress of Chemical Engineering incorporating the 68th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference Special Section

“…This special section of The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering consists of six selected papers on oxy‐cracking, displacement flows of non‐Newtonian fluids, gas hydrate inhibitors, lignin nanoparticles and polymers, multiscale modelling of mass transfer, and modern engineering education . The following is a brief summary of these contributions.…”

“…The effect of the inhibitor type on methane hydrate growth and dissociation is investigated via this new method. The paper by Professor Fatehi, an emerging research leader from Lakehead University, and his co‐worker critically reviews the production of lignin nanoparticles and polymers, and their numerous applications. The current challenges regarding the use of these lignin‐derived materials are also addressed in this paper.…”