PRIDES: Deep Eutectic Solvents in the Paper Industry

The European project cluster aims to approach 80% CO₂ emission reduction in the lignocellulose processing chain for cellulose papermaking, compared to the current chain based on kraft pulping by the application of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs).

Objective

To develop a radically new, sustainable and technoeconomically feasible pulping technology for lignocellulose raw materials based on DESs.
Via DES: to isolate lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose at low temperature and atmospheric pressure for further processing into materials and chemicals with a high added value.
The PROVIDES project first researched this new type of solvents and it is now followed up by the PRIDES project

What are Deep Eutectic Solvents?

DESs are composed of two or more components, at least one Hydrogen Bond Donor (HBD) and one Hydrogen Bond Acceptor (HBA), interacting with each other by self-associating forming an eutectic mixture with a melting temperature far below that of its constituents.

The potential of DES to promote mild wood delignification has attracted attention for almost a decade. Delignification requires both lignin depolymerization and dissolution. In this leaflet we descibe the DES delignification mechanism.

Expected impact

Approaching 80% CO₂ emission reduction in the chain
Reducing by at least 40% in process energy intensity due to lower process temperature and pressure
Reducing by 50% of investment costs
Strengthening market position of current wood-based products

Status

Progress made in delignification:

Fast, complete, efficient and severe delignification.
Side reactions, including (hemi)cellulose degradation.
Insight in delignification mechanism.
Several reactions take place simultaneously.
Many buttons to control: DES functionalities, temperature, time, water, acidity.
In the coming period focus lays on optimization.
Development of recovery process progresses well.
Proof of principle for lignin recovery.
Technologies for hemicelluloses and extractables are being developed.