LIGsp
Project summary
The utilization of biomass and its derivatives presents a partial solution to mitigate the greenhouse effect. While technologies for converting carbohydrates into value-added products are established, lignin valorization remains underdeveloped.
Project LIGsp aims to synthesize carbon microspheres from biorefinery byproducts, including lignin and phenolic-containing biooil fractions, using hydrothermal carbonization and a modified Stöber method.
These carbon microspheres have encapsulation properties, controlled permeability, functional surfaces, high surface-to-volume ratios, and thermal stability, making them promising materials for energy storage and environmental applications. The carbon microspheres will be additionally thermochemically activated, resulting in a nitrogen-doped carbon material with developed porosity that can be used in supercapacitors and fuel cells. LIGsp's work could significantly contribute to the sustainable utilization of lignin and other biomass residues, fostering a greener and more energy-efficient future.
Total funding of the project: 300 000
Project implementation period: 36 months
Place of implementation: Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
Project implementation
01.01.2025. - beginning of the project.
Project progress report
30.03.2025 - Project progress report.
During the period, three project activities were started according to the work plan.
WP1: Study the synthesis of carbon microspheres from biooil was started:
During the reporting period, birch and spruce wood was prepared (material crushing, sieving, treatment with 0.5% sulfuric acid), biooil was obtained by fast pyrolysis (water vapor, 400°C). Separation of the phenolic fraction was started. Experiments were started to obtain carbon microspheres by hydrothermal carbonization of biooil.
WP2: Study the synthesis of carbon microspheres from SW-lignin was started:
5 kg of LIGNOVA™ Crude lignin was purchased from the Estonian company “Fibenol”.
WP5: Management and coordination) was started:
Data Management Plan prepared and published
