Laura C. Draucker1, Jason P. Hallett2, Christopher L. Kitchens1, David Bush3, Arthur J. Ragauskas4, Charles A. Eckert3, and Charles Liotta5. (1) Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive,, Atlanta, GA 30332, (2) Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA 30332, (3) Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Tech, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, (4) School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 500 10th St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0620, (5) Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Tech, 315 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA 30332-0363
We have developed a novel process to yield high value-added products from renewable resources using CO2-expanded organic solvents (gas-expanded liquids). Modest pressures of carbon dioxide were added to a solution of lignin in an organic solvent. Dissolution of CO2 into this mixture reduces the polarity and induces precipitation of high molecular weight lignin components along with high value added chemicals such as vanillin and syringaldehyde, that can be further extracted to provide profit for the pulp and paper industry. These results provide a preliminary concept for a new processing technique that promotes both sustainable technology and the importance of converting renewable biomass to valuable products.
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www.che.gatech.edu/ssc/eckert/