(677f) Integrated Electrocoagulation for the Separation and Valorization of Lignin: Scale-up Evaluation

The contemporary challenges of the 21st century primarily revolve around the extensive use of non-reusable and non-recyclable resources. Consequently, exploring biomass-derived materials as a viable substitute for petroleum-based products has garnered significant attention recently. Lignin, comprising approximately 20-25% of plant biomass, is the second most abundant organic compound following cellulose. This project aims to establish an integrated and sustainable electrocoagulation (EC) process for separating and valorizing lignin from black liquor, a byproduct of the kraft pulping process. Our strategy to achieve this goal involves systematically exploring different electrodes (Iron and Aluminum) and their configurations to determine their impact on the efficiency of lignin separation and the functional properties of the separated lignin. Initial findings indicate a 62% and 91% lignin separation yield using Aluminum and Iron electrodes, respectively. Notably, the efficiency of lignin removal from black liquor using iron electrodes surpasses conventional methods such as LignoBoost and LignoForce, with observed lower energy consumption for the separation process. This work is focused on scaling up the EC reactor by ten times to 5L capacity and optimizing EC conditions, including electrode configurations and orientations to enhance lignin separation efficiency. The resultant lignin will undergo processing and valorization to produce ordered and magnetic mesoporous carbon, suitable for applications as a photocatalyst, catalyst, or adsorbent, with the possibility of chemical etching for refinement if necessary.