Abstract
Lignin is generated as a waste biomass from pulp and paper industry. The majority of kraft lignin is currently combusted as a low-grade energy source. Lignin valorization has been considered a feasible option to sustainable production of chemicals and liquid fuels in the long run. This study reports a novel thermolysis process that selectively converts black liquor lignin into guaiacol and its derivatives in high-boiling-point hydrocarbon solvents: n-hexadecane (n-H) and 1-methyl naphthalene (1-MN). The operating pressure for lignin thermolysis in n-H and 1-MN is much lower than those in lignin liquefaction with low-boiling-point solvents, such as water, methanol, and ethanol. 1-MN performed better than n-H in terms of lignin conversion and liquid yield. The liquid products were 56 wt% and 24 wt% for 1-MN and n-H as solvent respectively. Reaction temperature and reaction time rotating were investigated. Low temperature and short reaction time are favorable for generating Guaiacol. Compared to 1-MN as solvent, n-H promotes the production of guaiacol. The reaction mechanisms of lignin depolymerization to chemicals in different solvents were proposed. Solvent chemical properties and H abstraction processes from solvents play a key role in the selectivity of guaiacol.
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