Project SELECTIVELI: Conceptual study of electrochemical based novel process using lignosulfonates to produce bio-based monomers and polymers.

SELECTIVELI provides proof of concept on the laboratory scale (at least TR3) to
demonstrate the potential for converting low-cost lignosulfonate feedstocks (by-product
from paper and pulp industry) into high value biosustainable chemicals through the
following:
(I) Development and optimization of the electrochemical process to convert bio-based
feedstock (lignosulfonates) into target monomers, some of which can be converted into
polymers for study in further downstream processes.
(II) Development and optimization of downstream separation and purification processes
to extract the target products and conversion of intermediate building block monomers
(mixed phenolic derivatives) into higher value polymers.
(III) Modelling the process to (a) prepare process designs and scale up strategies for
future industrial scale production and ensuring commercial viability (b) assessing
energy requirements and proving the process can benefit from surplus energy and
accommodating energy fluctuations.
(IV) Conducting a full life-cycle analysis to establish that a future biorefinery process
can reduce environmental footprint of a value chain.

Our main tasks

• Energy requirements
• Modelling of renewable energy integration
• Research on renewable energy storage fluctuations and effect on selectivity and yield

Partners

CHIMAR | IDENER.AI | LEITAT | LIFE CYCLE ENGINEERING | SAPPI | SINTEF | UNIVERSITY OF MAINZ | VITO

Start date – finish date

05 / 2019 - 10 / 2022