Characterization and structural analysis of alcohol-fractionated lignin biofuels processed at ambient temperature
Tor I. Simonsen,
Saket Kumar,
Demi T. Djajadi,
Jacob J.K. Kirkensgaard,
Jens Risbo,
Sune T. Thomsen,
Yohanna C. Orozco
Affiliations
Tor I. Simonsen
Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, 1958, Denmark; Corresponding author.
Saket Kumar
Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Energy Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, 382007, India
Demi T. Djajadi
Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, 1958, Denmark
Jacob J.K. Kirkensgaard
Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, 1958, Denmark; Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
Jens Risbo
Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, 1958, Denmark
Sune T. Thomsen
Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, 1958, Denmark
Yohanna C. Orozco
Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, 1958, Denmark
This study introduces Cold-processed Lignin in (M)ethanol Oil (CLEO/CLiMO), a novel biofuel technology derived from the alcohol-fractionation of lignin at ambient temperatures, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels. The production process achieved solid loadings of up to 60 wt% lignin and a volumetric energy density 39 % higher than pure alcohols. Lignin concentrations above 30 wt% promoted colloidal stability through the proposed formation of a spanning network of lignin aggregates, associated with a 100-fold increase of viscosity. Additionally, we observed a decrease in the radius of gyration of lignin particles from 2.5 to 2.7 nm at 30 wt% to 1.1–1.3 nm at 60 wt% following a transition from globular to elongated random coil shaped particles. This was accompanied by a twofold increase in the partial specific volume of lignin, suggesting a reduction in packing efficiency. The study highlights CLEO's potential as a sustainable shipping fuel alternative, combining favorable fuel properties with a simple and scalable production method.
