Lignin-derived catalyst ink for printed electrodes

• Grant number: 25/24502-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Anuj Kumar
• Grantee: Álvaro Henrique Mello José
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/13184-1 - Lignin-derived catalyst ink for printed electrodes, AP.R

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.