Lignin quantification is routinely performed in the analysis of biomass composition and in the evaluation of lignocellulosic feedstock. Traditionally, two-stage sulfuric acid method (Klason method) is used for the lignin quantification, but the method suffers from the labor-intensive and tedious procedure and the rigid dependence on analyst’s experience. In this work, a facile quantification of biomass lignin was reported using acidic lithium bromide (ALB) method. Under relatively mild conditions, cellulose and hemicellulose of the biomass were dissolved and further hydrolyzed to monomeric sugars in acidic lithium bromide for quantification, leaving lignin fraction isolated as insoluble residue and then quantified gravimetrically. Compared to Klason method, ALB method shortens the analysis time and avoids the autoclaving (or similar) operation. Results indicated that lignin contents of varying biomass (Douglas fir, eucalyptus, aspen, corn stover, and switchgrass) determined by the ALB method are comparable and consistent with those by NREL standard procedure (Klason method).

Facile quantification of biomass lignin using acidic lithium bromide (ALB) method

249th National Meeting (2015)

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