Pyrolysis behavior of lignin model compounds

A. C. Buchanan, Michelle K. Kidder, Ariana Beste

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Biomass continues to receive considerable attention as a possible renewable source of liquid transportation fuels and aromatic chemicals. Lignin is an abundant, biopolymer rich in aromatic oxygen functional groups (e.g. phenols, alcohols, ethers) that is derived from vascular plants and as a byproduct of the pulping process in paper mills. However, lignin is underutilized in part because of the complex cross-linked structure of the biopolymer and the inability to control the thermochemical decomposition process to form desirable products. Hence, a key need is an improved understanding of the fundamental thermochemical decay pathways such that better control over product selectivity and subsequent catalytic upgrading can be achieved. In this presentation, we will discuss our investigations of the fundamental pyrolysis behavior of lignin model compounds that represent key substructures in the lignin biopolymer. Our principal focus has been on molecules representative of the dominant arylglycerol-beta-aryl ether (beta-O-4 linkage). Results will be presented from both slow (low temperature, long residence time) and fast (high temperature, short residence time) pyrolysis conditions. Additional mechanistic insights are gleaned from DFT calculations on key elementary reactions steps.

Original languageEnglish
JournalACS National Meeting Book of Abstracts
StatePublished - 2010
Event239th ACS National Meeting and Exposition - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 21 2010Mar 25 2010

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pyrolysis behavior of lignin model compounds'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this