Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBPAromatic molecules are indispensable for countless products of the chemical industry, including medication, pesticides, or plastics. So far, they are primarily extracted from mineral oil. The Solicar project of Fraunhofer CBP revolves around developing and testing a new process of a base-catalyzed thermal solvolysis, to gain monoaromatic hydrocarbons and low-molecular derivates from the lignin biopolymer. Here, the dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a “green”, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly solvent, is used.
Solicar – Thermal solvolysis of lignin in dimethyl carbonate into bio-based aromatic compounds
Methylated oligomers from lignin
Challenges
Due to the decline of fossil resources and the simultaneous rising demand for them, technologies for utilizing sustainable alternatives are increasingly interesting to scientists. This includes the production of aromatic molecules. So far, they are primarily extracted from mineral oil, while they are indispensable for countless products of the chemical industry, including medication, pesticides, or plastics.
The biopolymer lignin is the sole natural resource to offer large quantities of aromatic molecules. Because of its heterogeneity and the corresponding low reactivity, the use of lignin as a macromolecule is limited. Only through depolymerization of the lignin, can smaller aromatic molecules (such as monomers, dimers) be won. These premium aromatics can be utilized as platform chemicals or to produce fine chemicals. One substantial obstacle regarding the depolymerization of lignin are the unwanted side reactions.
Objectives and project plan
The main objective of the Solicar initiative is the development and the testing of a new and innovative process of a base-catalyzed thermal solvolysis of lignin, into monoaromatic hydrocarbons and low-molecular lignin derivates in dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a “green”, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly solvent. By doing so, we can establish a higher thermal stability of the lignin derivates, combined with a lower glass transition temperature and a higher solubility in aprotic organic solvents.
This consequentially results in an improved compatibility of lignin derivates and hydrophobic material, thus allowing the lignin derivates to be utilized in blends with polymers or rubber.
Base-catalyzed thermal solvolysis of lignin in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to obtain methylated aromatics.
Project information
Project title
Solicar – Thermal solvolysis of lignin in dimethyl carbonate into bio-based aromatic compounds
Project duration
October 2023 – September 2024
Funding
We would like to thank the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture for funding the project "Solicar", promotional reference number 2222NR105X.
