See how lignin is converted into valuable products in four essential process steps.
Lignin characterization and dissolution
Membrane reactor technology
Process optimization
Product
LigPOMMem GmbH is dedicated to the commercial development of sustainable, bio-based processes, with a particular focus on the value appreciation of industrial lignin streams from the pulp and paper industry. The company aims to unlock the full value of lignin by converting it into high-value platform chemicals and other bio-based products.
The Albert Research Group at the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry at the University of Hamburg conducts research on the replacement of fossil-based bulk chemicals with bio-based chemical building blocks, working closely with both industrial and academic partners.
Through the collaboration between LigPOMMem GmbH and the Albert Research Group, innovative and sustainable processes for the conversion of lignin into valuable chemicals are being developed. The project aims to replace fossil-derived feedstocks with renewable raw materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible chemical industry.
"Our vision is to transform renewable resources into the chemicals of tomorrow. By combining fundamental research with industrial innovation, we are building sustainable technologies that create real impact." - Dr. Günter Besold (Founder & CEO of LigPOMMem)
The LigPOMMem technology integrates three patented innovations into a single process: catalyst design, reactor development, and process technology.
Lignin is a complex, water-insoluble aromatic macromolecule bearing various chemical functionalities. In order to make lignin "ready" for catalytic valorisation, it must be dissolved in cheap and environmentally friendly solvents like green methanol and thouroughly characterised.
The next step of the LigPOMMem technology is the catalytic conversion of the dissolved lignin in a highly innovative and patented membrane jet-loop reactor (Patent iii.) by our in-house designed cheap and noble-metal free polyoxometalate catalysts (Patent ii.). Herein, both the catalytic conversion as well as the just in-time product separation can be performed in one single apparatus which helps saving both energy and material costs.
Sophisticated automated tools based on machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in combination with statistical design of experiment (DoE) studies help us to find the optimum reaction conditions for each technical lignin in the membrane jet-loop reactor setup.
The LigPOMMem technology provides catalytic valorisation as well as in-situ product isolation in one single unit operation as a breaktrough innovation for transforming technical lignin into high-value speciality and bulk chemicals like vanillin and its derivatives.
