Abstract
Depolymerization of lignin can yield phenolic monomeric platform molecules, but depolymerization and repolymerization are proposed as concurrent processes, which greatly limit the yield of monomeric products. Molecular-level characterization of heavy intermediates during depolymerization process is crucial for developing efficient methods to depolymerize raw lignin into monomers. In this study, a reactor-integrated negative-ion electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to real-time analyze the lignin depolymerization process under operando conditions. Elemental composition, structural information as well as time-resolved evolution of a series of dimers and oligomers were obtained, which is hard to achieve with traditional GC-MS methods. The real-time evolution profiles of monomers, dimers, and oligomers reveals a possible repolymerization process during lignin depolymerization. These results provide insight into the complex lignin depolymerization process.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
