Evolutionary nonlinear chemistry of self-organizing mesophase (liquid crystal) structures of wood: from morphogenesis to regulation of carbon formation (review)

Abstract

This work reconstructs the transformation stages of the mesophase (liquid crystal) wood components from their native state to the processes of coke and coal formation. The phytochemical precursors of mesophases (from lignin and polysaccharides, such as cellulose, to lipids) differing in their cell localization are considered separately. Several criteria are listed by which the similarity between the processes of mesophase formation based on the plant raw materials during carbon formation and self-organization in such systems (including the processes proceeding under the thermal pumping) is observed. The role of membrane and membrane-mimetic interfaces in regulation of the above processes is indicated. The applicability of biogeochemical redox criteria (anaerobic, subaerial, aerobic modes) in the analysis of mesophase diagenesis is considered. It is postulated that, due to the specific regulation/feedback, the above factors can lead to the spatial heterogeneity during coal formation, «autocatalytic» effects and the emergence of redox oscillations, accompanied by the localized changes in the properties of mesophases - from those supporting combustion to practically fire retardant. Based on the dependence of the main properties of the corresponding products on the processes of their production and / or formation, as well as their (geo) chemical environment (which is characteristic of supramolecular and colloidal chemistry), it is possible to formulate supramolecular and colloidal chemical approaches to the interpretation of a number of phenomena and mechanisms of the biogenic fossil mesophase formation, which requires consideration in a separate review paper.