Formate-Assisted Fast Pyrolysis of Lignin

A new method for the fast pyrolysis of lignin is presented. The addition of calcium formate to lignin prior to fast pyrolysis results in deoxyhydrogenation of the lignin during pyrolysis. In the inert atmosphere, the calcium formate thermally decomposes to form hydrogen, which facilitates the chemical transformation in situ. The process occurs at atmospheric pressure and without catalysts. There are several immediate benefits to this method for fast pyrolysis of lignins, including improvements in lignin feeding to the pyrolysis reactor, an increase in liquid yield, and an increase in the carbon yield in the oil phase of the liquid product. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis indicated that methoxy groups were removed from the lignin with the addition of calcium formate. Therefore, the primary products of this method are alkylated phenols.