One-pot conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into two high-value nanospheres with high conversion yields

Abstract

Maximizing the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass is challenging. Lignin nanospheres (LNSs) and cellulose nanospheres (CNSs) have been reported as high-value biomass-derived materials. Here, we developed a synchronous conversion of lignocellulose into LNSs (particle size: 423.5 ± 66.9 nm) and CNSs (particle size: 34.7 ± 5.2 nm), achieving conversion rates of 85.99 % for corn stover lignocellulose and 73.57 % for bamboo lignocellulose. First, lignocellulose was dissolved and subjected to ultrasonic treatment. Subsequently, deionized water was added to facilitate the spontaneous organization of lignin and cellulose into LNSs and CNSs. The undissolved residue underwent six cycles of this process to maximize the conversion efficiency. The optimal ultrasonic treatment time was 30 min, and ultrasonic action played a pivotal role in achieving high conversion rates. By decreasing the particle size of lignocellulose, reducing the degree of cellulose polymerization within the lignocellulose, and facilitating the separation of lignocellulose components, ultrasonic treatment enhanced the dissolution ratio, ultimately leading to improved conversion rates.