Alternatives for lignocellulosic pulp delignification using polyoxometalates and oxygen: a review

A review on the use of polyoxometalates (POMs) and oxygen, for the delignification of lignocellulosic pulps is presented. Two main processes using POMs for the delignification of pulp have been investigated: an anaerobic process in which the POMs have been used, in aqueous solutions, as stoichiometric reagents for the oxidative degradation of residual lignin, with their re-oxidation by oxygen occurring in a subsequently separate stage; and an aerobic process in which the POMs were designed to perform as catalysts in the oxygen delignification. In the aerobic approach, the lignin oxidation and the reactivation of the POM take place in the same stage of the process. The feasibility of the catalytic system was shown by pilot plant experiments. Following the green chemistry goals, these processes are environmentally friendly approaches and may allow a significant decrease of chlorine-based chemical consumption by the pulp-and-paper industry. The use of the POMs together with laccase for the oxygen delignification of lignocellulosic pulps will also be considered. Final comments regarding the practical application of the POMs are pointed out.