A Mild-Condition and Lignin-First Trifunctional Fractionation Strategy for Lignocellulose Valorization

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study introduces a mild-condition and lignin-first trifunctional fractionation strategy using trifunctional aldehyde sulfonic acid. It effectively fractionated poplar chips under mild conditions (60 °C for 2 h or 80 °C for 0.25 h), yielding 61.9−72.5% water-soluble lignin with an uncondensed structure and 20.7−35.2% β−O−4 linkages. The lignin can serve as a biosurfactant (about 2% critical micelle concentration, CMC), a cellulosic paper strengthening agent, or a feedstock for bio-oil (47.0% yield). Cellulose is fully retained and readily converted into glucose (94%), while most xylose (65−70%) forms recoverable derivatives (about 75.7%). Aldehyde sulfonic acid is highly recyclable (99.8%).