Electrochemical Membrane Reactor Modeling for Lignin Depolymerization

Abstract

Valorization of lignin into value-added chemicals becomes an interesting research topic for sustainable and renewable product formation. A conceptual study of lignin valorization through an electrochemical membrane reactor process is presented. The membrane reactor model is able to predict a larger aromatic product formation yield because the product is permeating out before it degrades. Different process parameters were examined, in an electrochemical membrane reactor process, via sensitivity analysis. Through the analysis, the objective was to manipulate the process parameters to maximize the aromatics production yield. These parameters are considering the membrane characteristics, in terms of membrane pore diameter and area, and process parameters, in terms of trans-membrane pressure and reaction residence time. The sensitivity study revealed that a membrane with a molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of 750 Da and pore diameter of 1 nm is an optimum nanofiltration membrane for a continuous tubular membrane ...