Aaltodoc Repository :: Browsing by Author "Sipponen, Mika H."

Browsing by Author "Sipponen, Mika H."

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10

AqSO biorefinery: a green and parameter-controlled process for the production of lignin-carbohydrate hybrid materials
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2022-09-07) Tarasov, Dmitry; Schlee, Philipp; Pranovich, Andrey; Moreno, Adrian; Wang, Luyao; Rigo, Davide; Sipponen, Mika H.; Xu, Chunlin; Balakshin, Mikhail; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Lignin Chemistry; Åbo Akademi University; Stockholm University
The current biorefineries are focused on the comprehensive fractionation of biomass components into separate lignin and carbohydrate fractions for the production of materials, platform chemicals and biofuel. However, it has become obvious that the combination of lignin and carbohydrates can have significant technical, environmental, and economic benefits as opposed to their separate use. Herein, we developed a green, simple, and flexible biorefinery concept for the integrated utilization of all major biomass components for high-value applications with the focus on functional lignin-carbohydrate hybrids (LCHs). The established process consisted of a modified hydrothermal treatment (HTT) of birch wood followed by solvent extraction of the resulting solids and is therefore named AquaSolv Omni (AqSO) biorefinery. The AqSO biorefinery produces three major streams: hydrolysate (hemicellulose-derived products), solvent-extracted lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) and cellulose-rich fibers. Specific process conditions were found to facilitate the production of LCCs of different types in high yields as a new valuable and industrially realistic process stream. The effect of the process severity and liquid to solid (L/S) ratio on the yields and compositions of the produced fractions as well as on the structure and properties of the extracted LCCs was investigated using state of the art NMR spectroscopy and molar mass distribution analysis among other methods. The high flexibility of the process allows for engineering of the resulting products in a wide range of chemical compositions, structures and physicochemical properties and therefore gives a good opportunity to optimize the products for specific high-value applications. The process can be easily combined with other biorefinery operations (e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis, pulping, bleaching) to be incorporated into existing value chains or create new ones and thus is suitable for different biorefinery scenarios. First examples of high-value applications of AqSO biorefinery LCHs are reported. LCC nanoparticles (LCCNPs) were produced for the first time directly from the solvent extract and their properties were investigated. LCCNPs could efficiently stabilize Pickering emulsions of tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate and allowed their free radical polymerization. In addition, AqSO LCHs showed promising results as wood adhesives. Overall, our results provide detailed information on the complex lignocellulosic fractions and bridge the gap from process engineering to sustainable product development.
Eco-friendly Flame-Retardant Cellulose Nanofibril Aerogels by Incorporating Sodium Bicarbonate
(2018-08-15) Farooq, Muhammad; Sipponen, Mika H.; Seppälä, Ari; Österberg, Monika; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Bioproduct Chemistry; Energy Conversion
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels offer excellent thermal insulation properties, but high flammability restricts their application. In this study, CNF aerogels were prepared by incorporating sodium bicarbonate (SBC), which effectively improved the fire retardancy without compromising the thermal conductivity of the aerogels, which was only 28 mW m-1 K-1. The minimum burning velocity of flame-retardant aerogels was 0.20 cm s-1 at 40 wt % of SBC, which is significantly lower compared to 5.84 cm s-1 of pure CNF aerogels. At the threshold concentration of 20 wt % SBC, the flame-retardant aerogel demonstrated flameless pyrolysis along with enhanced char formation. SBC additionally provides control over the microporosity and morphology, due to the concentration-dependent formation of lamellar layers during the preparation of aerogels. Overall, this work describes an efficient method for preparing flame-retardant CNF aerogels that could lay the foundation for next-generation bio-based insulation materials.
Effect of catalysts and pH on lignin in partial wet oxidation of wood and straw black liquors
(2015) Hassan, Raja Muddassar; Sipponen, Mika H.; Melin, Kristian; Kokkonen, Daniela de; Pastinen, Ossi; Sarwar, Golam; Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology; Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
Elucidating enzymatic polymerisations: Chain-length selectivity of Candida antarctica lipase B towards various aliphatic diols and dicarboxylic acid diesters
(2018-09-01) Pellis, Alessandro; Comerford, James W.; Maneffa, Andrew J.; Sipponen, Mika H.; Clark, James H.; Farmer, Thomas J.; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Bioproduct Chemistry; University of York
The sustainable synthesis of polymers is a field with growing interest due to the need of modern society to preserve the environment whilst making used products and food sustainable for the future generations. In this work we investigate the possibility of synthesizing aliphatic polyesters derived from various dicarboxylic acid diesters and diols in a solvent-free reaction system. Candida antarctica lipase B was selected as biocatalyst and its selectivity towards the carbon and ester chain length were elucidated. The selected enzyme was able to synthesize various polyesters combining C4-C10 diesters and C4-C8 diols. All combinations led to monomer conversions above 90% in 24 h with the best number average molecular weights (Mn) being obtained through the combination of dimethyl adipate and 1,8-octanediol leading to a Mn of 7141 Da. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows a clear trend with an increase in melting temperature of the polymers that correlates with both the increase of the Mn or of the polymer's constitutional repeat unit carbon chain length. Thermogravimetric analysis and rheology measurements performed on selected samples also confirm the trend showing a variation of the polymer's degradation temperatures and viscosity profiles.
Lignin-Based Porous Supraparticles for Carbon Capture
(AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, 2021-04-27) Zhao, Bin; Borghei, Maryam; Zou, Tao; Wang, Ling; Johansson, Leena-Sisko; Majoinen, Johanna; Sipponen, Mika H.; Österberg, Monika; Mattos, Bruno D.; Rojas, Orlando J.; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Bio-based Colloids and Materials; Bioproduct Chemistry
Multiscale carbon supraparticles (SPs) are synthesized by soft-templating lignin nano- and microbeads bound with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The interparticle connectivity and nanoscale network in the SPs are studied after oxidative thermostabilization of the lignin/CNF constructs. The carbon SPs are formed by controlled sintering during carbonization and develop high mechanical strength (58 N·mm-3) and surface area (1152 m2·g-1). Given their features, the carbon SPs offer hierarchical access to adsorption sites that are well suited for CO2 capture (77 mg CO2·g-1), while presenting a relatively low pressure drop (∼33 kPa·m-1 calculated for a packed fixed-bed column). The introduced lignin-derived SPs address the limitations associated with mass transport (diffusion of adsorbates within channels) and kinetics of systems that are otherwise based on nanoparticles. Moreover, the carbon SPs do not require doping with heteroatoms (as tested for N) for effective CO2 uptake (at 1 bar CO2 and 40 °C) and are suitable for regeneration, following multiple adsorption/desorption cycles. Overall, we demonstrate porous SP carbon systems of low cost (precursor, fabrication, and processing) and superior activity (gas sorption and capture).
Lignin-fatty acid hybrid nanocapsules for scalable thermal energy storage in phase-change materials
(Elsevier Science, 2020-08-01) Sipponen, Mika H.; Henn, Alexander; Penttilä, Paavo; Österberg, Monika; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Bioproduct Chemistry; Wood Material Science
Development of affordable thermal energy storage (TES) has been hampered by the lack of environmentally benign and scalable phase-change materials (PCM). Here we show size-controlled colloidal synthesis of fatty acid-lignin hybrid nanocapsules and demonstrate their applicability as PCM in dry and wet states. The one-pot fabrication allowed for facile preparation of hybrid capsules with a predictable concentration of tall oil fatty acid, oleic acid, or lauric acid in core-shell particles stabilized by softwood kraft lignin. Phase-change peaks of capsules containing 40 wt% of lauric acid were observed in aqueous dispersion, indicating a possibility to develop colloidal TES systems. In dry form, the hybrid capsules prevented fragmentation of the phase-change peaks during 290 heating-cooling cycles, while in wet state the capsules appeared stable for 25 cycles. The nanoscaled morphology of the capsules was characterized using thermoporometry-differential scanning calorimetry (tp-DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Extraction of lauric acid from the capsules allowed for investigation of the intraparticle space previously occupied by the fatty acid. The fatty acid-deficient nanocapsules were found to contain an internal volume that was 19 times as high as that of lignin nanoparticles. Approximately 20 nm thick lignin shells of the capsules were found to be readily accessible to water, permitting heat transfer across the capsules. The possibility to tailor the hybrid capsules by altering the chain length and saturation degree of the fatty acids opens applications that extend beyond the TES systems.
Multifunctional lignin-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids
(ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY, 2021-09-21) Lizundia, Erlantz; Sipponen, Mika H.; Greca, Luiz G.; Balakshin, Mikhail; Tardy, Blaise L.; Rojas, Orlando J.; Puglia, Debora; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Bio-based Colloids and Materials; Lignin Chemistry; University of the Basque Country; Stockholm University; University of Perugia
Significant progress in lignins valorization and development of high-performance sustainable materials have been achieved in recent years. Reports related to lignin utilization indicate excellent prospects considering green chemistry, chemical engineering, energy, materials and polymer science, physical chemistry, biochemistry, among others. To fully realize such potential, one of the most promising routes involves lignin uses in nanocomposites and nanohybrid assemblies, where synergistic interactions are highly beneficial. This review first discusses the interfacial assembly of lignins with polysaccharides, proteins and other biopolymers, for instance, in the synthesis of nanocomposites. To give a wide perspective, we consider the subject of hybridization with metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, as well as uses as precursor of carbon materials and the assembly with other biobased nanoparticles, for instance to form nanohybrids. We provide cues to understand the fundamental aspects related to lignins, their self-assembly and supramolecular organization, all of which are critical in nanocomposites and nanohybrids. We highlight the possibilities of lignin in the fields of flame retardancy, food packaging, plant protection, electroactive materials, energy storage and health sciences. The most recent outcomes are evaluated given the importance of lignin extraction, within established and emerging biorefineries. We consider the benefit of lignin compared to synthetic counterparts. Bridging the gap between fundamental and application-driven research, this account offers critical insights as far as the potential of lignin as one of the frontrunners in the uptake of bioeconomy concepts and its application in value-added products.
Spherical lignin particles : a review on their sustainability and applications
(ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY, 2020-05-07) Österberg, Monika; Sipponen, Mika H.; Mattos, Bruno D.; Rojas, Orlando J.; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; School services, CHEM; Bioproduct Chemistry; Bio-based Colloids and Materials
There is an increased interest in renewable carbon as a source of materials, where lignin is expected to play a prominent role. This stems, partially, from new regulations aiming to achieve a cleaner and safer environment. Lignin, as a polyaromatic plant-derived biomolecule, is not only abundant but widely accessible in industrial streams. Due to recent developments in production scalability as well as promising application prospects, nanoscaled lignin particles have recently generated interest in the research and industrial communities. This review describes the main routes to prepare spherical lignin particles, highlighting aspects associated to their shape and topology as well as performance. We discuss the use of spherical lignin particles as dispersants and in the formulation of coatings, adhesives and composites, focusing on the advantages of the spherical shape and nanoscaled size. The state of the particles is furthermore compared in terms of their applicability in dry and wet forms. Finally, we discuss the sustainability, stability and degradation of lignin particles, which are issues that are critically important for any prospective use.
Strong, Ductile, and Waterproof Cellulose Nanofibril Composite Films with Colloidal Lignin Particles
(AMER CHEMICAL SOC, 2019-02-11) Farooq, Muhammad; Zou, Tao; Riviere, Guillaume; Sipponen, Mika H.; Österberg, Monika; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Bioproduct Chemistry
Brittleness has hindered commercialization of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films. The use of synthetic polymers and plasticizers is a known detour that impairs biodegradability and carbon footprint of the product. Herein, we utilize a variety of softwood Kraft lignin morphologies to obtain strong and ductile CNF nanocomposite films. An optimum 10 wt % content of colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) produced films with nearly double the toughness compared to a CNF film without lignin. CLPs rendered the films waterproof, provided antioxidant activity and UV-shielding with better visible light transmittance than obtained with irregular lignin aggregates. We conclude based on electron microscopy, dynamic water sorption analysis, and tp-DSC that homogeneously distributed CLPs act as ball bearing lubricating and stress transferring agents in the CNF matrix. Overall, our results open new avenues for the utilization of lignin nanoparticles in biopolymer composites equipped with versatile functionalities for applications in food packaging, water purification, and biomedicine.
Toward waste valorization by converting bioethanol production residues into nanoparticles and nanocomposite films
(Elsevier, 2021-07) Riviere, Guillaume; Pion, Florian; Farooq, Muhammad; Sipponen, Mika H.; Koivula, Hanna; Jayabalan, Thangavelu; Pandard, Pacal; Marlair, Guy; Liao, Xun; Baumberger, Stephanie; Österberg, Monika; Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems; Bioproduct Chemistry; Université Paris-Saclay; University of Helsinki; Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques; Quantis Sarl
A “waste-valorization” approach was developed to transform recalcitrant hydrolysis lignin (HL) from second-generation bioethanol production into multifunctional bio-based products. The hydrolysis lignin (HL) was extracted with aqueous acetone, yielding two fractions enriched in lignin and cellulose, respectively. The soluble hydrolysis lignin (SHL) was converted into anionic and cationic colloidal lignin particles (CLPs and c-CLPs). The insoluble cellulose-rich fraction was transformed into lignocellulosic nanofibrils that were further combined with CLPs or c-CLPs to obtain nanocomposite films with tailored mechanical properties, oxygen permeability and antioxidant properties. To enable prospective applications of lignin in nanocomposite films and beyond, CLPs and c-CLPs were also produced from a soda lignin (SL) and the influence of the lignin type on the particle size and ecotoxicity was evaluated. Finally, the carbon footprint of the entire process from hydrolysis lignin to films was assessed and an integration to industrial scale was considered to reduce the energy consumption. While most previous work utilizes purified lignin and pristine and often purified cellulose fibers to produce nanomaterials, this work provides a proof of concept for utilizing the recalcitrant lignin-rich side stream of the bioethanol process as raw material for functional nanomaterials and renewable composites.

Browsing by Author "Sipponen, Mika H."

Results Per Page

Sort Options