Valorization of lignin in polymer and composite systems for advanced engineering applications – A review

The lithium-ion exchange rate capability of various commercial graphite materials are evaluated using galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling in a half-cell configuration over a wide range of C-rates (0.1 similar to 60C). The results confirm that graphite is capable of de-intercalating stored charge at high rates, but has a poor intercalating rate capability. Decreasing the graphite coating thickness leads to a limited rate performance improvement of the electrode. Reducing the graphite particle size shows enhanced C-rate capability but with increased irreversible capacity loss (ICL). It is demonstrated that the rate of intercalation of lithium-ions into the graphite is significantly limited compared with the corresponding rate of de-intercalation at high C-rates. For the successful utilisation of commercially available conventional graphite as a negative electrode in a lithium-ion capacitor (LIC), its intercalation rate capability needs to be improved or oversized to accommodate high charge rates.

Rate capability of graphite materials as negative electrodes in lithium-ion capacitors

Current advancement on the isolation, characterization and application of lignin.

The role of lignin and lignin-based materials in sustainable construction - A comprehensive review.

Flexible thermoelectric materials and devices: From materials to applications

Development of cost-effective and increasingly efficient sustainable materials for energy-storage devices, such Li-ion batteries, is of crucial future importance. Herein, the preparation of carbon nanofibres from biopolymer blends of lignin (byproduct from the paper and pulp industry) and polylactic acid (PLA) or a thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethane (TPU) is described. SEM analysis shows the evolving microstructural morphology after each processing step (electrospinning, stabilisation and carbonisation). Importantly, it is possible to tailor the nanofibre porosity by utilising miscibility/immiscibility rules between lignin and the polymer additive (PLA/TPU). PLA blends (immiscible) generate porous structures whereas miscible lignin/TPU blends are solid when carbonised. Electrodes produced from 50 % PLA blends have capacity values of 611 mAh g-1 after 500 charge/discharge cycles, the highest reported to date for sustainable electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Thus, this work will promote the development of lignocellulose waste materials as high-performance energy-storage materials.

Bio-derived Carbon Nanofibres from Lignin as High-Performance Li-Ion Anode Materials.

The production of carbon fibers based on lignin reduces the cost and the environmental impact associated with carbon fiber manufacturing. However, the melt processing of lignin as a carbon fiber precursor is challenging due to its brittleness and limited thermoplastic behavior. For this reason we produce biopolymer blends based on Alcell organosolv hardwood lignin, hydroxypropyl modified Kraft hardwood, and a thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane (TPU). Samples with TPU content greater than 30% showed excellent melt processability and carbonization yield (35% carbon yield for the samples containing 30% of TPU). The thermal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, rheology and thermogravimetric analysis. Fourier infrared measurements were utilized to explain the lignin/TPU interactions which governed the thermal and rheological behavior of the blends. SEM analysis showed that the blends produce a homogeneous structure which was void free after carbonization. These structurally compleme...

/pdf/biobased-structurally-compatible-polymer-blends-based-on-edv9y7grgc.pdf

Anne Beaucamp

Papers

Bio-derived Carbon Nanofibres from Lignin as High-Performance Li-Ion Anode Materials.

Biobased Structurally Compatible Polymer Blends Based on Lignin and Thermoplastic Elastomer Polyurethane as Carbon Fiber Precursors

Understanding the thermal and dielectric response of organosolv and modified kraft lignin as a carbon fibre precursor

Carbon fibres from renewable resources: the role of the lignin molecular structure in its blendability with biobased poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Sustainable mesoporous carbon nanostructures derived from lignin for early detection of glucose