Advances in lignin valorization from a biorefinery concept.

Siying Zhang; Yan Chen; Zhihua Liu; Zhimin Zhao

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Advances in lignin valorization from a biorefinery concept.

Author: Siying ZHANG ¹ ; Yan CHEN ¹ ; Zhihua LIU ² ; Zhimin ZHAO ¹
Author Information

1. Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia, China.
2. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States of America.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: bioconversion; biorefineries; fractionation; lignin; process engineering; thermochemical conversion
MeSH: Biomass; Lignin
From: Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2021;37(9):3108-3128
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Lignin valorization for fuels and value-added products is essential to enhance the profitability and sustainability of biorefineries. Due to the complex and heterogeneous structure of lignin, technical barriers hinder the implementation of economic lignin utilization. Here, we summarize the major challenges facing lignin valorization processes. Different pretreatment methods, especially emerging combinatorial pretreatment approaches for isolating and tailoring lignin are introduced. To overcome the heterogeneity of lignin structure and improve lignin processability, advances in fractionation approaches including organosolv extraction, membrane technology, and gradient precipitation are analyzed and presented. Furthermore, progress in lignin valorization by thermochemical and biological conversion coupling with pretreatment and fractionation are systematically reviewed. Finally, we discuss advanced strategies and perspectives for future research involving biomass pretreatment, lignin fractionation and conversion processes.