Abstract
In this paper, liquefaction of sodium lignosulfonate (SL) over SO42−/TiO2 catalyst in methanol/glycerol was investigated. Effects of temperature, time, the ratio of methanol to glycerol and catalyst dosage were also studied. It was indicated that optimal reaction condition (the temperature of 160 °C, the time of 1 h, solvent ratio (methanol/glycerol) of 2:1, catalyst dosage of 5 wt % (based on lignin input)) was obtained after sets of experiments. The maximum yields of liquefaction (89.8%) and bio-oil (86.8%) were gained under the optimal reaction conditions. Bio-oil was analyzed by elemental analysis, FT-IR and gas chromatogram and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). It was shown that the functional groups of bio-oil were enriched and calorific value of bio-oil was increased. Finally, it can be seen from GC/MS analysis that the type of products included alcohols, ethers, phenols, ketones, esters and acids. Phenolic compounds mainly consisted of G (guaiacyl)-type phenols.
Highlights
The increasing demand for energy and fossil fuels has aroused great interest in exploring alternative energy sources
Lignin, which accounts for 15–30% of lignocellulosic biomass, is a natural aromatic polymer composed of three primary phenylpropane units, including guaiacyl (G), syringyl (S) and p-hydroxyphenyl (H), connected by various linkages (β-O-4, α-O-4, α-O-5 and so on) [2,3]
Reaction temperature is an important factor for the yield of bio-oil
Summary
The increasing demand for energy and fossil fuels has aroused great interest in exploring alternative energy sources. The study of efficient conversion and utilization of biomass has become a research hotspot due to lower price and wider distribution. Lignocellulose is considered to be a sustainable biomass resource for preparing liquid transportation fuels [1]. Lignin, which accounts for 15–30% of lignocellulosic biomass, is a natural aromatic polymer composed of three primary phenylpropane units, including guaiacyl (G), syringyl (S) and p-hydroxyphenyl (H), connected by various linkages (β-O-4, α-O-4, α-O-5 and so on) [2,3]. Some research reports found that lignin could be directly transformed into bio-oil, which can be utilized as liquid biofuels [7,8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call