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PreprintCC BYChemRxiv

Electrochemical Depolymerization of Propionaldehyde-Stabilized Lignin on Nickel-based Electrodes Enhancing Monomer Yield Recovery

  • Syed Noman1,2
  • Cyrille Santerre3
  • Covadonga Lucas-Torres1,2
  • Edith Nicol1,2
  • Damien Aureau4,5
  • David Touboul1,2
  • Maxime Bridoux6
  • Cédric Tard1,2
6 affiliations
  1. 1Laboratoire de Chimie Moléculaire (LCM
  2. 2CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris
  3. 3de la Cosmétique et de l’Aromatique Alimentaire (ISIPCA, 34-36 rue du Parc de Clagny, Versailles, France, F-78000
  4. 4Institut Lavoisier de Versailles
  5. 5UMR 8180 CNRS-UVSQ Université Paris Saclay
  6. 6CEA, DAM, DIF
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Abstract

Lignin valorization remains a critical challenge due to its heterogeneous and recalcitrant nature, which complicates conversion into value-added chemicals. While conventional thermochemical methods rely on harsh conditions that compromise biorefinery economics, lignin’s solubility—dictated by its isolation method—further hinders efficient processing. Here, we report a one-pot electrooxidative depolymerization strategy for propionaldehyde-stabilized lignin (PA-lignin) using nickel electrodes in alkaline media. This approach selectively cleaves ~24 % of the lignin polymer into aromatic monomers, predominantly syringyl and guaiacyl derivatives, under mild conditions and without redox mediators. Compared to unmodified lignin, PA-lignin yields 28% ethyl acetate-extractable products, nearly fourfold higher, demonstrating that propionaldehyde capping suppresses condensation reactions and enhances monomer release. The simplicity of this single-step electrochemical process, combined with its improved monomer yield, makes it a promising and scalable upgrade for future lignocellulosic biorefineries.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@misc{noman2026electrochemical,
  title = {{Electrochemical Depolymerization of Propionaldehyde-Stabilized Lignin on Nickel-based Electrodes Enhancing Monomer Yield Recovery}},
  author = {Syed Noman and Cyrille Santerre and Covadonga Lucas-Torres and Edith Nicol and Damien Aureau and David Touboul and Maxime Bridoux and Cédric Tard},
  howpublished = {ChemRxiv},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.26434/chemrxiv.15010369/v1},
  url = {https://chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10.26434/chemrxiv.15010369/v1},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - UNPB
TI  - Electrochemical Depolymerization of Propionaldehyde-Stabilized Lignin on Nickel-based Electrodes Enhancing Monomer Yield Recovery
AU  - Syed Noman
AU  - Cyrille Santerre
AU  - Covadonga Lucas-Torres
AU  - Edith Nicol
AU  - Damien Aureau
AU  - David Touboul
AU  - Maxime Bridoux
AU  - Cédric Tard
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/13
PB  - ChemRxiv
DO  - 10.26434/chemrxiv.15010369/v1
UR  - https://chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10.26434/chemrxiv.15010369/v1
AB  - Lignin valorization remains a critical challenge due to its heterogeneous and recalcitrant nature, which complicates conversion into value-added chemicals. While conventional thermochemical methods rely on harsh conditions that compromise biorefinery economics, lignin’s solubility—dictated by its isolation method—further hinders efficient processing. Here, we report a one-pot electrooxidative depolymerization strategy for propionaldehyde-stabilized lignin (PA-lignin) using nickel electrodes in alkaline media. This approach selectively cleaves ~24 % of the lignin polymer into aromatic monomers, predominantly syringyl and guaiacyl derivatives, under mild conditions and without redox mediators. Compared to unmodified lignin, PA-lignin yields 28% ethyl acetate-extractable products, nearly fourfold higher, demonstrating that propionaldehyde capping suppresses condensation reactions and enhances monomer release. The simplicity of this single-step electrochemical process, combined with its improved monomer yield, makes it a promising and scalable upgrade for future lignocellulosic biorefineries.
ER  -