26-02-2025
How can we valorize lignin and unlock its potential for new applications? We are excited to share our latest publication 📃 in European Polymer Journal in which we explore this question by sustainably modifying the OH groups of lignin. By transforming the native OH groups into 1,2-diol functionalities with glycerol carbonate and subsequently developing lignin-based boronate ester gels, we pave the way for future lignin valorization!
In this work (10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.113846), we delve into:
✔️ An in-depth study of the oxyalkylation of lignin with glycerol carbonate
✔️ A detailed overview of the reaction mechanism and possible side-reactions
✔️ A novel theoretical approach for assessing the efficiency of the oxyalkylation process
✔️ Lignin-based self-healing boronate ester gel development
If you’re interested in these topics, feel free to check out the research led by Bram Jacobs, Ine Van Nieuwenhove, Sander Driesen, Pablo Reyes, Dagmar Rafael D'hooge, Geert-Jan Graulus, Katrien Bernaerts, and An Verberckmoes.