Toward well-defined colloidal particles: Efficient fractionation of lignin by a multi-solvent strategy

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Jan;254(Pt 3):127948. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127948. Epub 2023 Nov 10.

Abstract

Colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) have sparked various intriguing insights toward bio-polymeric materials and triggered many lignin-featured innovative applications. Here, we report a multi-solvent sequential fractionation methodology integrating green solvents of acetone, 1-butanol, and ethanol to fractionate industrial lignin for CLPs fabrication. Through a rationally designed fractionation strategy, multigrade lignin fractions with variable hydroxyl group contents, molecular weights, and high purity were obtained without altering their original chemical structures. CLPs with well-defined morphology, narrow size distribution, excellent thermal stability, and long-term colloidal stability can be obtained by rational selection of lignin fractions. We further elucidated that trace elements (S, N) were reorganized onto the near-surface area of CLPs from lignin fractions during the formation process in the form of -SO42- and -NH2. This work provides a sustainable and efficient strategy for refining industrial lignin into high-quality fractions and an in-depth insight into the CLPs formation process, holding great promise for enriching the existing libraries of colloidal materials.

Keywords: Colloidal particles; Element distribution; Lignin; Solvent fractionation.

MeSH terms

  • Acetone
  • Chemical Fractionation / methods
  • Ethanol*
  • Lignin* / chemistry
  • Solvents / chemistry

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Lignin
  • Ethanol
  • Acetone