The dependence on petroleum for aromatics production can be reduced by better utilization of lignin. Researcher Dian Santosa (University of Groningen) presented his research on the conversion of this complex wood polymer into chemical building blocks such as benzene, toluene and xylene on 13 January 2026.
Lignin gives strength to wood and plants, but its irregular molecular structure makes processing it technically challenging. In current industry, lignin is primarily burned as a byproduct to generate process heat. Santosa's research focuses on preserving the molecule's chemical value through catalytic pyrolysis.
Selectivity in catalytic pyrolysis
The dissertation "Bio-based aromatics from lignin" focuses on the interaction between various lignin streams and zeolite catalysts. Pyrolysis decomposes biomass at high temperatures (often between 400°C and 600°C). Without the right catalyst, this process produces a broad mixture of liquids and gases that are commercially difficult to separate.
Santosa investigated how specific chemical structures in lignin influence the final yield. By tailoring the reaction conditions to the lignin source, it becomes possible to produce a higher concentration of BTX aromatics. These are the basic materials for the production of industrial resins, coatings, and plastics.
Raw material for industry
The results provide a technical framework for selecting suitable biomass streams. While the industry previously focused primarily on the calorific value (heat value) of lignin, this research shifts the focus to its molecular structure.
The research demonstrates that residual flows from agriculture and the paper industry can serve as a renewable alternative to fossil-based aromatics. The next step in development is the further scaling up of these catalytic processes, with catalyst stability remaining a key focus during long-term industrial use.
Source: rug.nl
Image by yenitammyenitamm from Pixabay
