Development of high-throughput synthesis and functionalization techniques for lignin nanoparticles

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K23688
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0603:Forestry and forest products science, applied aquatic science, and related fields
• Research Institution: Meisei University
• Principal Investigator: Mariko Ago 明星大学, 理工学部, 准教授 (90389172)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: リグニン / ナノ粒子 / エアロゾルフロー / 超黒色炭素 / カーボンナノ粒子 / 表面エネルギー / コロイド粒子 / バイオマス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

First, the specifications of the aerosol reactor were decided, and purchased. Next, the environment of the laboratory, including electrical work and exhaust system, was installed, and the aerosol reactor was delivered in February 2020. After delivery, we started the synthesis of nanoparticles using kraft lignin and lignosulfonate and determined the parameters for the synthesis. The morphological observation confirmed that the synthesized particles were spherical and had a particle diameter of about 1um. In addition, the yield was improved compared to that before FY2019, and efficient synthesis of lignin spherical particles was achieved. Carbonization experiments were conducted on the obtained lignin particles, and it was found that they have excellent light absorption properties over a wide range of wavelengths.

Free Research Field

木質科学，高分子材料学，コロイド化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

リグニンは木質系バイオマス由来材料として地球上最も大量に存在する芳香族性ポリマーであるにも関わらず，材料としてはほとんど利用されていない。これはリグニンの分子構造や分子量が一定でなく，物性が安定しないことに一つの理由がある。本提案では，エアロゾルフロー法による超分子構造体，すなわちナノ―マイクロメートルサイズの真球状のリグニンナノ―，マイクロ粒子を，リグニンスルホン酸を原料として，高生産的に合成する技術を確立し，リグニンの潜在的な分子レベルでのばらつきによる材料特性の低下等の欠点を克服し，高性能・高機能な先進ナノ粒子を開発する。