Webinar: Novel Approaches for Lignin Upgrading
Date: 24th June 2015
Speaker: Professor Emiel Hensen, University of Technology Eindhoven
Abstract: In this lecture, I will discuss opportunities to convert lignin into useful chemicals and fuel products. Lignin is the most recalcitrant fraction of lignocellulosic biomass. With cellulosic ethanol production approaching commercial practice, it becomes necessary to economically process the lignin co-product obtained from lignocellulosic feedstock. The amount of lignin will exceed both the internal energy needs of biorefineries and the world market for lignin-derived specialty products by a large margin. I will introduce the structure of lignin, the variation in structure depending on the source and provide an overview of (catalytic) methods by which lignin can be deconstructed into monomers and other useful products. Usually, a second hydrotreating step is necessary to decrease the oxygen content of the product oil. I will highlight a novel approach involving a Cu-containing mixed metal oxide catalyst that is effective in converting different lignins;1 the process is carried out in supercritical ethanol and delivers high aromatics yields. The underlying chemistry of this process will be discussed. This lecture introduces the interested researcher into the basic concepts of lignin conversion and the characterization methods used to study the complex product mixtures obtained from upgrading this recalcitrant biopolymer.
On the 24th June 2015 at 9am (UK time), Novacam held a webinar to present the topic of “Novel Approaches for Lignin Upgrading” to an international audience.
If you were not able to join this Novacam Webinar, or would like to have a re-cap of the presentation from Professor Emiel Hensen, then please follow the links below.
To download the presentation, click here>>
To listen to the recording of the webinar, click here>>
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Other webinars in the series:
- Fossil and Renewable Sources of Liquid Fuels
- New Metal Oxide Catalysts
- Novel Approaches for Lignin Upgrading
- Catalyst Preparation and Related Reactions
- Mechanisms of Catalytic Sugar Conversion
