Advanced Materials, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Environment
Production of hydrophobic lignin using long-chain hydrocarbon acids, esters, or alcohols
Inventors: Dr. David Bruce
Market Overview
Renewable bioenergy in North America was valued at $28,634M in 2021 and is expected to reach $46,500M in 2027, with a CAGR of 8.5%. The use of traditional oils are related to current issues of pollution, geopolitics, and debates on global warming. Plant-based biofuels have been proposed as an alternative fuel source but low-cost biofuels are chemically polar and do not mix well with traditional oils. Most technologies that have use of these biofuels are outfitted to process hydrophobic products. Clemson University researchers have developed a process for creating hydrophobic lignin by using reactions with longchain hydrocarbon alcohols, esters, and acids. Being able to alter plant-based biofuels by adding hydrophobic chains allows for mixing with traditional oils and the continued usage of present equipment.
Applications:
Alternative fuel source to traditional fossil fuels
Technical Summary:
The invention process details the synthesis of hydrophobic lignin via direct reaction with functional groups directly connected to the lignin. A hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group are reacted with a long hydrocarbon acid and a long hydorocarbon alcohol respectively. Direct reaction with the functional groups allows for chemical modification without disrupting the internal structure of the lignin. The process relies on a simple reaction mechanism and cheap reagent alternatives. Additionally, the process can be done at moderate temperature (200ºC) and pressure (20 psi). Initial testing shows the modified lignin is soluble in kerosene up to ~0.2 grams of lignin for every gram of kerosene. The modified lignin has been shown to be soluble in soy-based biodiesels.
Advantages:
- Cost Benefit: Replaces high-cost reagents with plentiful low-cost alternatives
- Safety Improvement: Eliminates unsafe side products and intermediates
- Functionality: Allows for continued use of fossil fuel systems to process passed-based biofuels
Technology Overview
State of Development
Proof of Concept
Category
Advanced Materials, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Environment
CURF Reference No.
2025-020
Inventors
Dr. David Bruce
For More Info, Contact:
Andy Bluvas
Assistant Director of IP Management
E: curf@clemson.edu
P: (864) 656-0797
Contact
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