Improving the production efficiency and sustainability of lignin-alcohol fuel processed at ambient temperature

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Lignin represents a promising source of renewable energy. The development of CLEO (Cold processed Lignin Ethanol Oil) fuel introduces a novel lignin valorization approach, proposing its potential as maritime biofuel. However, its industrial success depends on enhancing fractionation yields and reducing solvent evaporation, which necessitates a detailed analysis of lignin properties, solvent types, and process parameters. By using novel combinations of biobased solvents, yields improved from 34 wt% to 49–53 wt% by using 30 wt% water or 40 wt% glycerol in ethanol, where Hildebrand Solubility Parameters emerged as indicative tool for increasing yields. Experiments on solid-to-liquid (S:L) ratios revealed a good balance between yield and lignin dispersion concentration at an S:L of 1:2.5. Producing CLEO with an improved solvent composition and S:L ratio resulted in 89 wt% yield while eliminating solvent evaporation requirements. This study highlights the potential for enhancing CLEO production efficiency and advancing it to industrial scale.

Original languageEnglish
Article number131087
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume408
Number of pages9
ISSN0960-8524
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024

    Research areas

  • CLEO, CliMO, Lignin fractionation, Lignin fuel, Marine biofuel, NMR

ID: 402165290