Direct conversion of lignin phenols into high-value polyaniline and related electronic materials

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This project is in direct response to the target area "Natural Resources and Energy", "1. Bioenergy and Bioproducts", focusing on "producing and separating phenolics and carbons from lignin".****Biomass thermolysis is a promising and already industrially implemented approach for the production of liquid hydrocarbons that can be used as a transportation fuel. However, in the "crude biofuel", ca 30 w/w % of the organic component is lignin, which is a rich source of various phenolic aromatics, but is currently wasted (or burnt for energy). The recently discovered in Li's group *direct* catalytic amination of phenols provides a new "green chemistry" opportunity to enhance the economic feasibility of biomass utilization by converting the lignin phenols into aromatic amines. Adopting this reaction for the crude thermolyzed biomass, we expect to reach two goals: (1) provide a handle for low-cost separation of the resulting amines through pH-controlled extraction and (2) create high-value electronically functional materials (polyanilines, triarylamine, carbazoles) to be used in next generation technologies, including polymer batteries, solar cells and solid-state lighting.****The successful realization of the project could have a major impact on chemical and materials sectors of Canadian economy, and in the long term, contribute to a sustainable energy solutions. As a reflection of this wide industrial interest in our technical solution, three Canadian companies have pledged their support to the project and will collaborate with co-PIs in executing the project. Quandra Chemicals is interested in green methods of conversion phenols into aniline products; Advanced Materials Inc in aniline and polyaniline products; and 1-Materials is interested electronic materials based on lignin-derived aniline precursors. The project will train students at BSc, MSc, PhD and PDF levels in green chemistry, chemical engineering and materials discovery.