Session: Recent Advancements in Lignin Valorization Strategies for Fuels and Chemicals:

For the economic viability of future bio-refineries, lignin is gaining growing interest for its applications in various fields such as functional coatings, 3D printing, energy storage devices, bio-nanocomposites, hydrogels, drug delivery vehicles, stabilizers of cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) offer many opportunities for value-added applications due to their controllable size, spherical shape, large surface area, negative surface charge, compatibility and dispersibility with other polymers. In this study, lignin nanoparticles were synthesized from technical lignin by dissolving the lignin in different organic solvents followed by precipitation in water. Impact of processing factors including lignin extraction methods, solubility of lignin in the organic solvent, pH, lignin precipitation rate, and the initial concentration of lignin were studied. The structural and morphological properties of lignin and LNPs were analysed and discussed using GPC, 2D HSQC NMR, ³¹P NMR, particle size analyser, SEM, and others.

Gyu Leem

State Univ. of New York – College of Environmental Science & Forestry (SUNY ESF)

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