The European Green Deal has set itself the goal of making Europe climate-neutral by 2050. To achieve this, it is essential to replace fossil raw materials with renewable resources for fuels, energy and chemicals. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) are essential for the production of plastics, fibres, pharmaceuticals, detergents and dyes. At present, almost the entire BTX supply is dependent on crude oil. The development of sustainable alternatives is therefore a strategic priority for Europe’s energy independence, environmental goals and industrial competitiveness.
Lignin, a natural polymer found in plants, is the only renewable raw material rich in aromatic rings. It is produced in very large quantities as a by-product of the pulp and paper industry by around 130 million tonnes per year worldwide, but is mostly burned to produce low-value energy. Exploiting the potential of lignin for the production of BTX could make it a cornerstone of the circular bioeconomy.
The Lig2BTX project has addressed this challenge by developing a solvent-free catalytic hydrotreatment process to convert Kraft lignin into valuable aromatics. Within the project, novel “dandelion-type” hollow microsphere catalysts based on non-noble metals (Ni, Co, Mo, W, Y) were developed to achieve an efficient, selective and sustainable conversion of lignin. By integrating catalyst synthesis, reactor engineering, and knowledge at the molecular level, the project aimed to develop a scalable process that reduces costs, increases selectivity towards aromatics and contributes to a profitable biorefinery model.
The expected impacts include the following:
1. Scientific: Increased knowledge of catalytic lignin utilisation through breakthrough catalyst designs and process innovations.
2. Industrial: Providing new pathways for biorefineries to diversify products and reduce dependence on petroleum-derived aromatics.
3. Societal: Supporting the European climate targets, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the transition to a circular economy.
