Lignin-derived catalyst ink for printed electrodes

• Grant number: 22/13184-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: May 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Agreement: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
• Principal Investigator: Anuj Kumar
• Grantee: Anuj Kumar
• Principal researcher abroad: Izabela Rzeznicka
• Institution abroad: Shibaura Institute of Technology, Omiya (SIT) , Japan
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Lorena
• Associated researchers: Andre Luis Ferraz ; Talita Martins Lacerda
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/24502-2 - Lignin-derived catalyst ink for printed electrodes, BP.PD; 23/08226-0 - Lignin-derived catalyst ink for printed electrodes, BP.PD

Abstract

The overall goal of the project is to produce catalytic inks and printed electrodes using lignin-derived biochars for enhancing efficiency of catalytic reactions. Research objectives of the EEL group will be efficient extraction and recovery of high purity lignin (kraft lignin) and C6 sugars from sugarcane biomass (bagasse and straw). The C6 sugar from the hydrolysate will be transformed into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) which will be catalytically transformed into furan di-carboxylic acid (FDCA). Research objectives of the catalytic group of the Japan group will include production of biochars from the extracted lignin, and its integration into catalytic ink production. The ink will be used to make printed electrodes. The ink-jet technology will be used to print electrodes. The electrodes will be tested for their catalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), and in electrochemical oxidation of 5-HMF to furan di-carboxylic acid (FDCA). Potential scientific impact of the research project will include 1) new technology to extract high purity lignin from sugarcane biomass; 2) molecular level characterization of derived lignins; 3) biochar production techniques; 4) production of catalyst ink and printed electrodes showing activity towards OER, ORR and FDCA. If the lignin-derived biochars will have good performance as catalytic inks, it will open a market for lingo-carbon which can find application in battery and chemical industry that deliver clean energy and value-added chemicals. Efficient utilization of lignin will contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by making use of carbon-rich natural resources. (AU)

Scientific publications

(6)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PEREIRA, ALZIRA APARECIDA; BATISTA, UBIRATAN DA SILVA; YAVERINO-GUTIERREZ, MARIO ALBERTO; ASCENCIO, JESUS JIMENEZ; FERRAZ, ANDRE; CHANDEL, ANUJ KUMAR. Microbial consortium enrichment with alkaline-treated eucalyptus kraft lignin promotes selective bacterial diversity. BIOMASS & BIOENERGY, v. 193, p. 10-pg., 2025-01-03. (22/13184-1, 22/05214-8, 20/12559-6, 23/09410-9, 23/12273-3)

ASCENCIO, JESUS J.; MAGALHAES, LETICIA S.; FERREIRA, FABRICIO B.; HEINZ, OTTO; FERRAZ, ANDRE; CHANDEL, ANUJ K.. Surfactant-Enhanced Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp: The Interrelationship Between Lignin Reduction and Sugar Recovery. CATALYSTS, v. 15, n. 1, p. 18-pg., 2025-01-01. (22/13184-1, 20/12559-6)

MILESSI, THAIS S.; REIS, CRISTIANO E.; RAMOS, MARCIO D. N.; CARVALHO, ANA KARINE F.; AMINABHAVI, TEJRAJ; CHANDEL, ANUJ K.. Native and tailor-made microbial cell factories for economic production of bio-renewables: A paradigm shift in industrial biotechnology. BIOMASS & BIOENERGY, v. 201, p. 16-pg., 2025-10-01. (22/13184-1, 20/12559-6)

RAMOS, LUCAS; MALTEMPI-MENDES, GIOVANI; SIQUEIRA, ADRIANO FRANCISCO; NAPOLEAO, DIOVANA APARECIDA DOS SANTOS; CHANDEL, ANUJ KUMAR. Kinetic analysis of kraft lignin conversion via the Fenton process: process optimization and stochastic modelling. REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING, v. 10, n. 1, p. 11-pg., 2024-10-23. (23/08226-0, 22/13184-1, 20/12559-6)

YAVERINO-GUTIERREZ, MARIO ALBERTO; ASCENCIO, JESUS JIMENEZ; CHANDEL, ANUJ KUMAR. Optimization of Alkaline Pretreatment and Structural Insights for Converting Eucalyptus Sawdust and Sugarcane Bagasse into Cellulosic Sugars. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. N/A, p. 17-pg., 2025-07-02. (22/13184-1, 20/12559-6, 23/12273-3)

RAMOS, LUCAS; MALTEMPI-MENDES, GIOVANI; SANTOS, JULIO C.; CHANDEL, ANUJ KUMAR. Kraft lignin depolymerization by the Fenton process assisted by hydrodynamic cavitation. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS, v. N/A, p. 12-pg., 2025-06-17. (23/08226-0, 22/13184-1, 20/12559-6)