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Modular solvent-enabled targeted cleavage of lignin-carbohydrate ester linkages for sustainable straw refining

Author

Listed:
  • Shen, Feiyue
  • Zeng, Zhiwen
  • Yang, Ziyi
  • Jiang, Baiheng
  • Liu, Zhanglin
  • Zhao, Li
  • Qi, Wei
  • Hu, Jinguang
  • Tian, Dong
  • Shen, Fei

Abstract

Efficient extraction of proto-lignin without compromising the carbohydrate value by a mild biorefinery has encountered challenges. Herein, an alkaline deep eutectic solvent (Tetramethylammonium hydroxide/urea peroxide, TMAH/UP) was tailored to fractionate lignocellulose into proto-lignin and carbohydrate-rich substrate for downstream value-added conversion. The fractionation efficiency of TMAH/UP with diverse concentrations (5 %–40 %) at room temperature was investigated. Higher solvent concentrations increased lignin extraction efficiency but also led to greater carbohydrate loss. High monosaccharide conversion (100 % glucose yield and >50 % xylose yield) was achieved from the carbohydrate-rich substrates with high accessibility. The extracted lignin was equipped with abundant β-O-4 bond content and high molecular weight, which exhibited excellent potential for aromatic monomer conversion. The proto-lignin extraction mechanism of targeted cleavage of lignin–carbohydrate esters was verified by the model compound studies. A life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that the room-temperature fractionation substantially lowered CO2 emissions and energy consumption relative to the prior scalable biorefinery. In this work, the proposed TMAH/UP process realized a breakthrough toward proto-lignin extraction and carbohydrate value upgrading, highlighting the sustainable biorefinery future for biomass value maximization.

Suggested Citation

  • Shen, Feiyue & Zeng, Zhiwen & Yang, Ziyi & Jiang, Baiheng & Liu, Zhanglin & Zhao, Li & Qi, Wei & Hu, Jinguang & Tian, Dong & Shen, Fei, 2026. "Modular solvent-enabled targeted cleavage of lignin-carbohydrate ester linkages for sustainable straw refining," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:260:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125028307
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125166
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