Lignin and depolymerised Lignin Characterization by High Performance liquid Chormotography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)
EMSL Project ID
28793
Abstract
This research is aimed at selective catalytic cleavage and a quantitative determination of weak links in lignin and low rank coals. The objective is to develop site-specific catalysts that can selectively cleave various oxygen linkages that are common in the structures and lignins and lignites. The knowledge to be generated through this project will help guide catalyst selection and process conditions in coal liquefaction and direct conversion to value-added products. Through catalytic cleavage under mild conditions, the fragments of various sizes that truly represent the original structure of the parent lignin or lignite can be obtained. A Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) with extremely high powerful mass resolution power combined with elemental composition analysis (ECA) will be used to fully determine the structure of lignin and lignite fragments. Combined with catalytic chemistry, we will develop a new methodology for a full determination of coal structures. Model compounds will be used to verify the catalytic chemistries involved. Catalysts, particularly aromatic alkali, that have strong penetration power and the affinity for lignin and lignite, will be investigated, in the presence of a catalyst carrier, such as super critical CO2 or ionic liquids.
Project Details
Start Date
2008-04-21
End Date
2009-03-26
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Related Publications
Xia G, B Chen, R Zhang, and ZC Zhang. 2013. "Catalytic Hydrolytic Cleavage and Oxy-Cleavage of Lignin Linkages." Journal of Molecular Catalysis. A, Chemical.. doi:10.1016/j.molcata.2013.08.016