A reactive molecular dynamics study of thermal pyrolysis behavior and mechanisms of lignin during the hydrothermal process: The function of the water molecules

Abstract

The lignin hydrothermal processing is an important option but a full understanding of the role played by the water molecules in the depolymerization of lignin is still lacking. In order to clarify the role of the water molecules in the depolymerization of lignin, the evolution of chemical bonds, microstructural changes, and possible mechanisms of product generation were compared during the pyrolysis process under vacuum and water conditions using Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Compared with vacuum conditions, the role of water changes with temperature, identifying three stages: promotion (1200–1800 K)-inhibition (2100–2400 K)-promotion (2700–3000 K). Also compared with vacuum conditions, hydrothermal processing can promote the cleavage of the ether bonds while inhibiting the destruction of carbocycles. Water molecules promote the depolymerization of lignin into more C4-molecules, thereby generating more combustible gas resources. Based on the research results, the pyrolysis conditions of lignin can be flexibly controlled to obtain solids, liquids or gases.