Optimizing Glycol Production from Lignocellulose

Country: Netherlands

Application

• Sustainable production of bio-based glycol for industrial applications.
• Reduction of reliance on fossil fuels by utilizing renewable biomass.

Description

This study explores the catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignocellulosic biomass into glycols, emphasizing the role of organic solvents in solubilizing lignin. It shows that solvents like ethanol and butanediol significantly improve lignin solubility compared to water, reducing catalyst fouling. The yields of ethylene glycol (EG) and other products are slightly reduced when organic solvents are used, but they effectively prevent lignin repolymerization. Overall, organic solvents enhance lignin dissolution while maintaining glycol production efficiency.

Pathway Description:

The study investigates the catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to glycols using organic solvents to solubilize lignin. The process involves acid-leaching biomass to remove inorganics, followed by hydrogenolysis in a solvent mixture of water and organic compounds (e.g., ethanol, propylene glycol). The use of organic solvents enhances lignin solubilization and prevents catalyst fouling, improving the overall yield of glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. The study also compares the effects of various solvents on lignin depolymerization and glycol production.