Lignin Composites and Nanocomposites: Preparations and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

With our continued in-depth understanding of the environmental pollution and petro-source crisis, the renewable and degradable properties of biomass materials are being increasingly valued. Lignin, as the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose, represents a unique renewable material that could be used in a wide range of applications. Moreover, as a byproduct in the pulp and paper industry and biomass refining, lignin is produced in large quantities. Nevertheless, worldwide, only 5% of lignin is explored for high value development, and therefore, there are still numerous challenges and opportunities for the research and development of lignin application.

One of the reasons lignin utilization has been hindered is its heterogenous nature and complex structure, which is additionally impacted by the extraction process and the nature of the biomass. On the other hand, this chemical diversity is also an important asset for lignin that gives it its numerous properties, which, combined with biodegradability and low toxicity, explain the growing interest in lignin bio-based materials. Therefore, lignin is extensively studied as regards its usefulness in adsorbent materials, drug carriers, catalytic materials, phenolic resins, anticorrosion coatings, electrode materials for energy applications, scaffold materials for tissue engineering, and other fields.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish a collection of research articles and reviews on the topic of lignin bio-based materials. In this Special Issue, contributions on the production, characterization, and applications of lignin bio-based materials and nanomaterials, as well as composites with other materials or nanomaterials, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Erwann Guénin
Dr. Vincent Terrasson
Guest Editors

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• lignin
• composite
• nanomaterials
• electrode
• supported catalysis
• drug carrier
• tissue engineering