Work

Efficient Lignin Precipitation from Softwood Black Liquor Using Organic Acids for Sustainable Valorization

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The chemical industry's transition towards sustainability necessitates the development of eco-friendly processes that can replace petrochemical derivatives. Lignin, the second most abundant plant polymer, has potential as a renewable alternative to phenolic compounds. This study investigates lignin precipitation from softwood black liquor using five organic acids (acetic, citric, lactic, malic, and oxalic) as a sustainable alternative to sulfuric acid. The precipitated lignins were subjected to comprehensive chemical and thermal characterization, revealing higher total phenolic content and enhanced reactivity when organic acids were employed. Notably, organic acid-precipitated lignins demonstrated comparable or superior purity, with ash contents below 0.50%, compared to 3.28% observed for sulfuric acid-precipitated lignin. These findings suggest that organic acids are a viable and greener alternative for lignin precipitation, promoting higher purity and yield, thus supporting lignin valorization efforts.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17070926

Authors: Elsa Duret, Luanna C. R. de Moura, Amaia Morales, Jalel Labidi, Eduardo Robles, Fatima Charrier-El Bouhtoury

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, University of the Basque Country

Language: English

Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258