Abstract
In recent years, lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a promising renewable resource, offering potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, it requires complex separation techniques for value-added fractionation. Lignin, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, is of particular interest for its potential to be converted into high-value chemicals. However, traditional methods, like the Kraft process, limit lignin's value due to sulfur content and repolymerization, driving research into alternative solvents, including deep eutectic solvents (DESs).
Chapter 1 introduces the potential of DESs, alongside other green solvents such as ionic liquids and organic acids, in the delignification process. DESs, particularly lactic acid-choline chloride mixtures, show promise in lignin and hemicellulose removal while offering energy-saving benefits during regeneration. The thesis focuses on two strategies for DES regeneration: liquid-liquid extraction (LLX) and membrane-based methods. Chapters 2-4 investigate LLX with solvents like 2-MTHF and guaiacol, while Chapters 5-6 explore membrane-based ultrafiltration processes. The study demonstrates the efficacy of these methods in recovering lignin and furanic compounds, with solvent and energy considerations for industrial applications. Lastly, Chapter 7 provides energy usage calculations, comparing the regeneration methods. Guaiacol-based LLX emerged as a more energy-efficient option compared to 2-MTHF, while membrane processes also showed promise for lignin recovery.
Chapter 1 introduces the potential of DESs, alongside other green solvents such as ionic liquids and organic acids, in the delignification process. DESs, particularly lactic acid-choline chloride mixtures, show promise in lignin and hemicellulose removal while offering energy-saving benefits during regeneration. The thesis focuses on two strategies for DES regeneration: liquid-liquid extraction (LLX) and membrane-based methods. Chapters 2-4 investigate LLX with solvents like 2-MTHF and guaiacol, while Chapters 5-6 explore membrane-based ultrafiltration processes. The study demonstrates the efficacy of these methods in recovering lignin and furanic compounds, with solvent and energy considerations for industrial applications. Lastly, Chapter 7 provides energy usage calculations, comparing the regeneration methods. Guaiacol-based LLX emerged as a more energy-efficient option compared to 2-MTHF, while membrane processes also showed promise for lignin recovery.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 24 Oct 2024 |
Place of Publication | Enschede |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 978-90-365-6296-6 |
Electronic ISBNs | 978-90-365-6297-3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2024 |