In spite of the increased recent interest on solid products from thermal treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, the mechanisms of associated processes have not been fully elucidated yet.  We report on the characteristics of lignin in thermally-treated biomass whereby it remains as the main component due to its high thermal stability.  To this end, quantitative solid-state NMR and wet-chemical analyses, including nitrobenzene oxidation and methoxyl analyses were performed. An increase in aromatic carbon fraction from 36 to 76 % for biomass before and after thermal treatment at 700 �C was observed.  In addition, the non-protonated aromatic carbons increased up to 58 % and larger aromatic cluster were observed during the processes.  The changes of lignin chemistry were identified as a function of process conditions such as temperature, time, and gas reaction medium.  Overall, combining these diverse approaches, it was possible to obtain fundamental insights into the mechanisms of biomass thermal conversion.

Evolution of aromatic structures of lignin during thermal treatment of biomass

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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