(600c) Depolymerization of Lignin Using Peracetic Acid Under Mild Conditions

Lignin is the largest non-carbohydrate component in lignocellulosic biomass, so utilization of lignin can significantly improve total biomass utilization. Depolymerization of lignin is an important step for effective utilization of lignin. Effective and selective depolymerization of lignin into mono-aromatics and/or dicarboxylic acids does not only convert lignin into value-added products, but they also enhance the total biomass utilization by valorizing the co-products from biomass. Diverse lignin depolymerization strategies have been discussed; however, there are few commercially feasible lignin conversion processes because of low conversion yield, poor product selectivity, expensive solvents and catalysts, and severe reaction conditions. PAA removed and/or decomposed lignin. In this study, Peracetic acid (PAA) was applied to decompose lignin under mild reaction temperature with minimal side reactions. Structural changes on lignin were evaluated by diverse analytical methods such as GPC and NMR. In addition, quantitative analysis with depolymerization products was conducted by GC/MS and HPLC.