Structure-property relationships in lignin-based carbonaceous material

Good water quality is crucial for human health, social development, the economy and the ecosystem. However, industrialisation and urbanisation, coupled with explosive population growth, have posed significant challenges to maintaining safe and clean water resources. One strategic approach to water protection is to develop bio-based porous materials as filters to absorb the hazardous components of wastewater.

In this project, our aim is to elucidate the structure–property relationships of lignin-based biochar for use in treating water, with a particular focus on heavy metals and PFAS. To compare lignin-based carbons made from hardwood and softwood with different surface modifications, we will use advanced X-ray techniques at synchrotron radiation facilities to characterise their structure and chemistry, especially during real-time water treatment. The large amount of characterisation data generated will be handled via machine learning-based analysis algorithms to improve 3D modelling and establish a better statistical correlation between structure and properties for water treatment.

Ultimately, we hope that this project will help us to predict the parameters required to produce "super" absorbent biochar made from lignin.