Reforma eletrocatalítica de lignina em meio alcalino: investigação sobre eletrodos de cobalto

• Grant number: 22/09720-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: André Henrique Baraldi Dourado
• Grantee: Lívia Cicilini da Silva Epifanio
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Kraft lignin is known as a subproduct of the pulp and paper industry. This macromolecule can be oxidate generating aromatic chemicals and, if an electrochemical device is used for that, H2, a high energy density fuel. For electrochemical lignin oxidation, alkaline electrolytes are needed, since they favor macromolecule dissolution. In the present project, the cobalt electrode was selected as the catalyst, since it presents good activity and low added value, and high stability in high pH-containing solutions. Another advantage is the good selectivity to vanillin, which is not expected and uncomprehended by the literature. Because of that, the systematic investigation of Co electrochemical behavior for lignin oxidation is proposed. For this study, electrochemical experiments will be made for the electrodeposition of Co, a low-cost and very controllable approach. After that, the electrode obtained will be used for lignin oxidation in alkaline media. A full electrochemical investigation will take place, associated with microgravimetric techniques and product analysis for better mechanism comprehension.(AU)