Aromatic hydrocarbons from depolymerization and deoxygenation of lignin
US8772557B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10L2200/0469
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Processes are disclosed that achieve a high conversion of lignin to aromatic hydrocarbons, and that may be carried out without the addition of a base. Depolymerization and deoxygenation, the desired lignin convention steps to yield aromatic hydrocarbons, are carried by contacting a mixture of lignin and a solvent (e.g., a lignin slurry) with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. A preferred solvent is a hydrogen transfer solvent such as a single-ring or fused-ring aromatic compound that beneficially facilitates depolymerization and hinders coke formation. These advantages result in favorable overall process economics for obtaining fuel components and/or chemicals from renewable sources.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.