Methane-assisted catalytic cracking of kraft lignin for syngas production

This project explores a new way to turn kraft lignin—a waste byproduct from the pulp and paper industry—into useful gases that can be used to make chemicals and fuels. Currently, kraft lignin is mostly burned for heat, but it contains valuable elements that are hard to recover due to its complex structure. The proposed process uses methane and natural chemicals already present in the waste (like sulfur and sodium) to help break down the lignin into a cleaner gas called syngas, which contains hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This process could take place right at the pulp mill, before the waste is normally burned, and the leftover chemicals can be reused in the pulping process. The project will test this idea using lab equipment at UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre. If successful, it could help pulp mills reduce waste and produce valuable new products more efficiently.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xiaotao Tony Bi;Chester Upham

Student:

Partner:

Mercer International

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: