Extraction of lignin from lignocellulose at atmospheric pressure using alkylbenzenesulfonate ionic liquid

Suzie S Y Tan, Douglas R MacFarlane, Jonathan Upfal, Leslie A Edye, William O S Doherty, Antonio F Patti, Jennifer M Pringle, Janet L Scott

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

139 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Lignocellulosic materials are a potentially valuable source of both aromatic compounds via the lignin component and sugars from the cellulose and hemicellulose components. However, efficient means of separating and depolymerising the components are required. An ionic liquid mixture containing the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and a mixture of alkylbenzenesulfonates with xylenesulfonate as the main anion was used to extract lignin from sugarcane plant waste at atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures (170–190 °C). The lignin was recovered from the ionic liquid by precipitation, allowing the ionic liquid to be recycled. An extraction yield exceeding 93% was attained. The lignin produced had a molecular weight of 2220 g/mol after acetylation. The regenerated ionic liquid showed good retention of structure and properties. The other product of the extraction was a cellulose pulp, which can be used in further processing.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)339-345
Number of pages7
JournalGreen Chemistry
Volume11
Issue number3
Early online date6 Feb 2009
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2009

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