Work

Tailoring Biomass‐Derived Organosolv Lignin Derivatives for High‐Capacity Adsorption of Rhodamine B

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The valorization of biomass into renewable, high‐performance, adsorbent materials offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic sorbents. In this study, we investigate the potential of lignin derivatives as efficient adsorbents for removing the cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) from aqueous solutions. Five organosolv lignin derivatives were synthesized via a one‐step process using phenol, catechol, resorcinol, pyrogallol, and hydroquinone as phenolic modifiers to introduce structural diversity. The influence of these modifications on the materials’ physicochemical properties and adsorption behavior was examined. Comprehensive characterization included 31 P NMR, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller surface area analysis, size exclusion chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic light scattering. Among the derivatives, resorcinol‐modified lignin ( ReL ) showed the highest RhB adsorption capacity (101.2 mg g −1 ), attributed to its favorable textural properties—high surface area and pore volume—together with increased availability of functional groups, which collectively enhanced adsorption efficiency. Adsorption kinetics for all materials followed the pseudo‐second‐order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Isotherm analyses revealed Langmuir‐type monolayer adsorption for ReL , pyrogallol‐modified, and hydroquinone‐modified lignins. Moreover, ReL demonstrated good recyclability, retaining 62% of its adsorption efficiency after five adsorption–desorption cycles. Collectively, these results highlight the promise of structurally engineered lignin‐based adsorbents as cost‐effective, efficient, and reusable materials for sustainable wastewater treatment.

Source: ChemSusChem

DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202502472

Authors: Sayantani Bhattacharya, Maxim Galkin, Michelle Åhlén, Maria Strømme, Johan Gising

Institution: Uppsala University

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,550