Lignin-based materials for UV protection and water treatment
The surplus of lignin generated raises the problem of how to utilize this major by-product, which can constitute up to 40% of the original feedstock on a dry basis.
Project description
Lignin as an aromatic, three-dimensional polymer that contains several types of polar functional groups might be a promising material for water purification. In addition, the functional groups of lignin are able to effectively absorb light in the visible and UV range, which makes lignin a good candidate as a bio-additive for UV-protective polymer coatings.
The purposes of the project are to design a lignin-based sorbent for removing inorganic trace contaminants from water and to evaluate the influence of lignin of different origins and chemical modification on the properties of the polymer coatings with UV-protecting properties.
Financing
Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation
Collaborators
Olena Sevastyanova, KTH
Marta Goliszek, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University
Beata Podkościelna, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University
Nadiia Chykun, Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics