Lignin-Containing Cellulose Nanocrystals
Isolation of Lignin-Containing Cellulose Nanocrystals: Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts and Opportunities for Improvement
Published in the Journal of Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining
Authors:
Shiva Zargar, Ph.D. Candidate at the Sustainable Bioeconomy Research Group, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Dr. Jungang Jiang at Sustainable Functional Biomaterials Laboratory, , The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Professor Feng Jiang at Sustainable Functional Biomaterials Laboratory, , The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Professor Qingshi Tu at the Sustainable Bioeconomy Research Group, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Innovative materials are critical to the future of sustainable technologies. One such material is lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (LCNCs), which are gaining attention due to their unique properties and potential environmental benefits. Our recent paper, "Isolation of Lignin-Containing Cellulose Nanocrystals: Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts and Opportunities for Improvement," not only explores the environmental impacts of producing these nanomaterials but also achieved significant recognition. It was awarded the "Wiley Award for the Top 10 Most Downloaded Papers" published by Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining for two consecutive years (January 2021 to December 2022 and January 2022 to December 2023).
Purpose of the Study
Our study focuses on evaluating the environmental impacts of producing LCNCs from thermomechanical pulp (TMP) using deep eutectic solvents (DES). DES are notable for their biodegradability, low toxicity, and recyclability, making them a promising option for isolating nanocellulose. We aim to provide insights into the environmental footprint of this novel technology at the laboratory scale, which can inform improvements for full-scale production.
Key Findings
We conducted a cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessment (LCA) to measure the global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), and cumulative energy demand (CED) of LCNC production using two DES systems: a binary system (choline chloride – oxalic acid dihydrate) and a ternary system (choline chloride – oxalic acid dihydrate – p-toluenesulfonic acid). Here are the key findings:
Global Warming Potential (GWP): The average GWP was 39 kg CO2-eq per kg of LCNCs.
Acidification Potential (AP): The average AP was 0.17 kg SO2-eq per kg of LCNCs.
Cumulative Energy Demand (CED): The average energy use was 995 MJ per kg of LCNCs.
Sensitivity Analysis and Improvement Opportunities
Our sensitivity analysis revealed significant potential for reducing environmental impacts by adjusting the input volume and reuse frequency of DES solutions:
DES Input Volume: Reducing the input volume of DES solutions to 20% of its default value resulted in the largest reductions in GWP, AP, and energy use.
These findings illustrate the direction for future research and development to enhance the sustainability of DES-mediated LCNC production.
Broader Implications
Comparing our results with existing literature, we confirmed that chemical manufacturing is the predominant contributor to the overall environmental impacts of nanocellulose isolation technologies. Our study underscores the need for sustainable chemical processes in the production of nanomaterials.
Conclusion
Our research highlights the environmental impacts of LCNC production and provides actionable insights for reducing these impacts. By refining DES use and improving chemical processes, we can make significant strides towards sustainable nanomaterial production.
For more details, you can access the full paper here.
Contact Information:
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