Jing-Meng Sun

Bio: Jing-Meng Sun is an academic researcher from Beijing Forestry University. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 1 citations.

Rice husk as bio-source of silica: preparation and characterization of silica bio-composites

Abstract: Silica powder has been extracted from rice husk employing a simple extraction procedure for preparing poly(lactic acid) bio-composites with differing filler contents (namely, 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt%). These materials have been obtained through a semi-industrial process of extrusion. The thermal, mechanical and morphological properties have been investigated. Despite a broad distribution of silica particle size, the prepared bio-composites have exhibited improved storage modulus and reduced oxygen permeabilities. The collected values at 10 and 30 wt% have been compared with those of homologous samples prepared using a commercial silica. Two micro-mechanical models (Voigt and Halpin–Tsai) have been used to also fit the mechanical data. Finally, an economic analysis of material and energetic costs has been performed on samples containing silica from rice husk in order to establish if the proposed process is sustainable or advantageous.

Electrochemical Depolymerization of Lignin in a Biomass‐based Solvent

Abstract: Abstract Breaking down lignin into smaller units is the key to generate high value‐added products. Nevertheless, dissolving this complex plant polyphenol in an environment‐friendly way is often a challenge. Levulinic acid, which is formed during the hydrothermal processing of lignocellulosic biomass, has been shown to efficiently dissolve lignin. Herein, levulinic acid was evaluated as a medium for the reductive electrochemical depolymerization of the lignin macromolecule. Copper was chosen as the electrocatalyst due to the economic feasibility and low activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction. After depolymerization, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed lignin‐derived monomers and dimers. A predominance of aryl ether and phenolic groups was observed. Depolymerized lignin was further evaluated as an anti‐corrosion coating, revealing enhancements on the electrochemical stability of the metal. Via a simple depolymerization process of biomass waste in a biomass‐based solvent, a straightforward approach to produce high value‐added compounds or tailored biobased materials was demonstrated.