The present disclosure relates to an alkylated graphene oxide membrane comprising a plurality of graphene oxide layers, each graphene oxide layer including at least one graphene oxide sheet covalently coupled to a chemical spacer, the chemical spacer being of Formula I:

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The present disclosure also relates to a filtration apparatus comprising an alkylated graphene oxide membrane disposed on a support substrate.

The invention is directed to a method for producing a purified lignin salt from alkaline spent liquor from the chemical cooking of lignocellulosic raw materials. The method comprises the steps of decreasing the spent liquor pH to form a lignin precipitate suspension; filtering the lignin precipitate to form a lignin filter cake and a filtrate; mixing the lignin filter cake into a dilution liquid to form an alkalilignin agglomerate colloid; subjecting the alkalilignin agglomerate colloid to large-pore membrane filtration; and recovering a purified lignin salt concentrate.

Various techniques are described for enhanced combustion of hot water extraction (HWE) derived liquor. For example, the HWE derived liquor can be pre-treated prior to introduction into a combustion chamber. The pre-treatment can include subjecting HWE derived liquor to filtration to remove suspended solids, evaporation to produce a first stage concentrated HWE liquor; additional concentration to produce a second stage concentrated HWE liquor; additional filtration to remove additional suspended solids; and pre-heating to produce a preheated HWE liquor. The preheated HWE liquor can be atomized and combined with pre-heated combustion air supplied into a combustion chamber to effect combustion of the HWE derived liquor.

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing an oxidised lignin based high performance surface active agent in techno-economically feasible manner within kraft pulp mill without interfering the main process.

This disclosure pertains to the use of black liquors from kraft pulp mills as a source of catalysts for the thermochemical conversion of organic matter feedstocks to bio oils. More particularly, some embodiments pertain to integrated kraft pulp mill and thermochemical conversion systems, which include: a Kraft pulp mill comprising a digester for digesting a lignocellulosic material with white liquor to produce pulp and black liquors; a thermochemical conversion subsystem comprising: at least one mixing tank for combining pulping liquors received from the pulp mill with an organic matter feedstock and water to produce a reaction mixture; a reactor vessel for treating the reaction mixture received from the mixing tank at a reaction temperature and pressure suitable for conversion of all or a portion of the organic matter in the reaction mixture into a product mixture comprising a bioproduct and an aqueous stream containing both organic and inorganic compounds; and a depressurizer for depressurizing product mixture received from the reactor vessel; and one or more conveyors for conveying the pulping liquors from the pulp mill to the mixing tank.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site.

Provided herein is a process for treating dregs for the application thereof as vulcanization activator of rubbers, putting an end to this residue generated in the cellulose industry and providing vulcanized rubbers with similar or enhanced properties in relation to those already known. The process for treating dregs includes the steps of: (a) drying the dregs; and (b) micronization of the dry dregs to an average particle size (d50) from 2 to 45 micrometers. Further provided herein are treated dregs, a use of treated dregs as vulcanization activator, and a process for vulcanizing rubber and the vulcanized rubber.

The present invention relates to a process for producing a lignin composition, which process comprises: providing a lignin slurry comprising water and a water miscible organic solvent; subjecting the lignin slurry to extraction at an extraction temperature of less than 100° C. for an extraction time of at least 1 minute to provide an extracted slurry; removing liquid from the extracted slurry to provide an extracted lignin; and suspending the extracted lignin in a polar organic solvent to provide a lignin composition having a dry matter content of at least 30% by weight.

The present invention also relates to a lignin composition comprising hardwood Kraft lignin and a polar organic solvent, which composition has a dry matter content of at least 30% by weight. The present invention also relates to use of the lignin composition as a fuel.

The present invention relates to novel lignin-derived compounds and compositions comprising the same and their use as redox flow battery electrolytes. The invention further provides a method for preparing said compounds and compositions as well as a redox flow battery comprising said compounds and compositions. Additionally, an assembly for carrying out the inventive method is provided.

Provided herein is a process for treating dregs for the application thereof as vulcanization activator of rubbers, putting an end to this residue generated in the cellulose industry and providing vulcanized rubbers with similar or enhanced properties in relation to those already known. The process for treating dregs includes the steps of: (a) drying the dregs; and (b) micronization of the dry dregs to an average particle size (d50) from 2 to 45 micrometers. Further provided herein are treated dregs, a use of treated dregs as vulcanization activator, and a process for vulcanizing rubber and the vulcanized rubber.