Title:
Lignin Waste Valorization from Commercial Scale Second-generation (2G) Bioethanol Production
Author(s):
Jain, S., Kumar, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
Valorizing lignin, a by-product of second-generation (2G) ethanol biorefineries, presents substantial potential for creating high-value bio-based materials. This study introduces an innovative process to transform waste lignin from a commercial 2G ethanol facility into bio-oil and high-purity biogenic silica, supporting a circular economy model in biorefineries. Through a novel phenolic solvent, guaiacol, lignin is thermally liquefied (yielding ~67 wt% bio-oil based on an organic input at optimal conditions of 300°C reaction temperature and 20 wt% solid loading, resulting in a phenolic-rich bio-oil (monomers and oligomers of lignin-derived compounds). The remaining inorganic-rich solid residue undergoes acid leaching and calcination, producing high-purity silica up to ~99%, useful in industries like composites, catalysis, and fillers. This process adds value to lignin processing, minimizes waste, and promotes economic viability in 2G bioethanol production. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential for biorefineries to expand their offerings with bio-based chemicals, polymers, and biomaterials, moving towards fully integrated, sustainable models.
Keywords:
lignin, liquefaction, biobased economy
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Biomaterials and Chemicals
Subtopic:
Processes for biomaterials and bio-based chemicals
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
6BO.5.2
Pages:
1081 - 1085
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-6BO.5.2
Price:
FREE
