March 28, 2024

Scientists have found a way to turn paper waste into nylon

Scientists have found a way to turn paper waste into nylon

Researchers have developed a technology for converting kraft lignin into valuable chemical precursors for nylon production.

Lignin is one of the mainproducts of the papermaking process, which is often incinerated to generate heat. However, scientists at the US Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory have found that it can be used to make a number of expensive chemicals, usually derived from petroleum.

To do this, the team depolymerized lignin with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide attemperature of 200 °C in a nitrogen environment with atmospheric pressure, obtaining guaiacol.Studies have shown that the substance is formed mainly by breaking the β-O-4 bonds in the original structure of by-products.

Then, using a Ru / C catalyst and hydrogen underAt 1 bar, the scientists converted guaiacol into ketone alcohol (a precursor to nylon) without forming the unwanted byproduct of methoxycyclohexanol.

Scientists have found a way to turn paper waste into nylon

According to the team, this two-step process is a low-energy and environmentally friendly way to make a variety of high-value chemicals.

Recently, researchers have also used lignin-derived vanillin to make the redox electrolyte of a flow battery.

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