EUBCE 2026 - Giampiero Pasquale SORRENTINO - From Lignin to Polyols: Combined Catalytic and Electrochemical Approach for Advanced Biomass Conversion

From Lignin to Polyols: Combined Catalytic and Electrochemical Approach for Advanced Biomass Conversion

Short Introductive summary

Lignin represents the largest renewable source of aromatic carbon, yet its structural heterogeneity limits its integration into chemical value chains. This work presents a combined catalytic–electrochemical approach for converting diverse technical lignins into tunable oligomers and bio-based polyols suitable for polyurethane applications. Controlled catalytic depolymerization (hydrogenolysis and oxidation) generates low-molecular-weight substrates enriched in ß–O–4 cleavage products, which are subsequently upgraded in mild electrochemical processes using RuO2 and Cu-based electrodes. These promote selective a-functionalization, ß–O–4 scission, and aldehyde-to-alcohol reduction, achieving faradaic efficiencies above 60%. Comprehensive NMR analysis reveals hydroxyl-rich oligomeric products with functional-group distributions aligned with polyol requirements. The integrated workflow offers a scalable and energy-efficient route to renewable aromatic intermediates, addressing key challenges in lignin valorization and supporting the transition toward circular, bio-based polymer feedstocks.

T.E. Müller, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, GERMANY
E. Sabri, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, GERMANY
G.P. Sorrentino, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, GERMANY
O. Tabot, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, GERMANY
U. Apfel, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, GERMANY
R. Stoll, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, GERMANY