Lignin Depolymerisation and Lignocellulose Fractionation by Solvated Electrons in Liquid Ammonia

Abstract

We explored the depolymerisation of several lignins in liquid ammonia at relatively high temperatures and pressures (120 °C and 88 bar). Five different lignins were tested: Indulin AT kraft, Protobind 1000 soda, wheat straw organosolv, poplar organosolv and elephant grass-milled wood lignin (EG MWL). In pure liquid ammonia, all lignins underwent slow incorporation of nitrogen into their structure, resulting in higher molecular weight and polydispersity index. Subsequently, we show a reductive depolymerisation by solvated electrons at room temperature by adding sodium metal to the liquid ammonia without any external hydrogen donor. The netto yields of bio-oil are low for technical lignins (10-23 %), but with higher yields of alkylphenols. In the case of native EG MWL, netto yields of 40 % bio-oil were achieved. Finally, when the room temperature method was applied to poplar wood fibre, we observe improved delignification upon the addition of sodium compared to poplar wood fractionation in pure liquid ammonia.

Keywords: bio-oils; biomass; depolymerization; lignin; liquid ammonia.