Valorization of Nonwoody Lignin for Aromatics Production (Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene)
摘要
The sustainable production of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) from lignin represents a promising route toward reducing dependence on fossil-based aromatics and mitigating their environmental impact. BTX compounds are essential intermediates in the production of polymers, solvents, resins, and fuels; however, their conventional manufacture from naphtha and other petroleum fractions contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. In this context, lignin, as the most abundant natural aromatic polymer, has emerged as a renewable and sustainable feedstock. Among its sources, non woody lignin, derived from agricultural residues and herbaceous plants, offers additional advantages due to its high availability, rapid growth cycle, and minimal competition with food or forestry resources. The intrinsic structure of lignin, composed of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G), and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units, provides a direct molecular framework for producing BTX without the need to synthesize aromatic rings from scratch. The ratio of these units varies with the plant species, tissue type, and extraction process, significantly influencing the reactivity, depolymerization behavior, and product distribution during thermal or catalytic conversion. Among the various lignin-to-BTX pathways, catalytic pyrolysis is the most promising. It involves heating lignin under an inert atmosphere to generate bio-oil rich in phenolic and aromatic intermediates, which can subsequently be upgraded through hydrodeoxygenation, dehydration, and decarboxylation reactions to yield high-purity BTX fractions. This chapter provides an overview of the BTX market potential and discusses the fundamental chemistry, process mechanisms, and key technological developments for BTX production from non-woody lignin. Environmental and sustainability concerns are also assessed to see the feasibility and scalability of lignin valorization routes. Integrating lignin conversion with existing biorefineries, particularly bioethanol production systems, offers synergistic benefits by improving carbon efficiency and minimizing waste. Despite progress, challenges remain in achieving high selectivity, catalyst stability, and economic viability. Continued research focused on catalyst innovation, process intensification, and life-cycle optimization is crucial to realizing sustainable BTX production from non-woody lignin.