Work

Modified Hydrothermal Pretreatment Conditions Enhance Alcohol Solubility of Lignin from Wheat Straw Biorefining

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Lignin-rich residues from lignocellulosic biorefineries remain underutilized, limiting their economic viability. This study demonstrates how modifying hydrothermal pretreatments with temperatures and additives enhances the lignin-rich residue’s solubility in alcohol, a key step toward its valorization in biofuel and material applications. Effective carbohydrate removal greatly enhanced the residue’s alcohol solubility, supporting both saccharification and lignin utilization. Notably, a 5% hydrogen peroxide treatment doubled the residue’s alcohol solubility, reaching ~40%, while maintaining similar saccharification yields. Low concentrations of surfactants and oxidizers enhanced the alcohol solubility independently of the saccharification yield, while alkali improved both. These findings highlight that minor pretreatment adjustments, such as low-concentration additives, can optimize lignin’s utilization in biorefineries, while maintaining a high carbohydrate conversion

Source: Biomass

DOI: 10.3390/biomass5020023

Authors: Tor Ivan Simonsen, Demi Tristan Djajadi, Sune Tjalfe Thomsen

Institution: University of Copenhagen

Language: English

Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207