Date of Award
Summer 8-18-2023
Level of Access Assigned by Author
Open-Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemical Engineering
Advisor
Peter Van Walsum
Second Committee Member
Sampath Gunukula
Third Committee Member
M. Clayton Wheeler
Abstract
In this investigation we propose a novel method to enable precipitation of desired solutes using photo-isomers in the extraction solvent. This photo-switchable solvent would enable dissolution or precipitation of desired components using alternating UV or visible light to modify the solubility of the compounds of interest. Three photo-isomers namely native azobenzene, diethoxy azobenzene and diethylamino azobenzene were studied in three different organic solvents: medium chain length alcohol, ethanol and acetone. It was found that among the different combinations of solvent and photo-isomer, acetone and the 4,4’-diethoxy azobenzene solution was most efficient at precipitating dissolved lignin in response to UV light exposure. This system was able to precipitate 20% of the initial amount of lignin added.
Recommended Citation
Karki, Dipesh J., "Use of Photo Isomers to Enhance the Removal of Lignin From Woody Biomass Hydrolysate" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3825.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/3825