ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

Towards Understanding Lignin Solubility in Protic Ionic Liquids

Abstract: A current key road block to the economic viability of a biorefinery is the inability to cost effectively separate biomass into lignin and cellulose. It has recently been reported that protic ionic liquids (PILs) can be used to extract lignin from lignocellulose to produce lignin-rich and cellulose-rich streams. However, the means by which the PIL (selectively) solubilises the lignin has not been explored. In this project we will elucidate interactions which promote the solubility of guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol) and hydroquinone (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) in ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) and ethylammonium hydrogen sulphate (EAHS). Comparison of the PIL nanostructures with and without added solute, and the favoured orientations of ions around the model solutes, will reveal the ion ¿ solute interactions that are key to the solubility of lignin-like materials in PILs.

Principal Investigator: Professor Rob Atkin
Experimenter: Dr Blake Simmons
Experimenter: Ms Samila McDonald
Experimenter: Dr Silvia Imberti
Experimenter: Ms Haihui Joy Jiang
Experimenter: Professor Greg Warr

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1510118

ISIS Experiment Number: RB1510118

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
Select the data format above to find out more about it.

Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Professor Rob Atkin et al; (2015): Towards Understanding Lignin Solubility in Protic Ionic Liquids , STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1510118