Abstract:

The "lignin-first" strategy, which prioritizes the extraction of lignin and its in-situ conversion into high-value-added chemicals, paves a new pathway for the advancement of biorefinery technologies. This paper focuses on the research progress and industrialization challenges of the reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) process, with a key analysis of the influence mechanisms of feedstock structure, catalytic systems, and solvent properties on lignin depolymerization efficiency and product selectivity. Combining process simulation, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA), this study quantifies the impacts of solvent recycling optimization and multi-factor synergetic regulation strategies on process economics and environmental benefits. Future research needs to overcome limitations such as insufficient downstream conversion simulation and single-dimensional evaluation systems. It should develop intelligent process models adaptable to multiple feedstocks, construct machine learning and multi-objective optimization tools, deepen systematic comparisons and collaborative designs among different "lignin-first" processes, and promote the conversion of lignin oil into high-value products such as sustainable aviation fuels and bio-based materials to achieve the valorization of biomass.

Key words: reductive catalytic fractionation, process systems, simulation, lignin-first, biorefining, biomass

摘要：

“木质素优先”策略通过优先提取木质素并将其原位转化为高附加值化学品，为生物精炼技术的发展开辟了新路径。本文聚焦还原催化分馏（RCF）工艺的研究进展与工业化挑战，重点分析了原料结构、催化体系及溶剂特性对木质素解聚效率与产物选择性的影响规律。结合过程模拟、技术经济分析（TEA）与生命周期评估（LCA），量化揭示了溶剂循环优化、多因素协同调控等策略对工艺经济性与环境效益的影响。未来研究需突破下游转化模拟研究不足、评价体系单一等局限，开发多原料适配的智能工艺模型，构建机器学习与多目标优化工具；深化不同“木质素优先”工艺的系统对比与协同设计；推动木质素油向航空燃料、生物质基材料等高附加值产品转化，助力生物质资源的高值化利用。

关键词: 还原催化分馏, 过程系统, 模拟, 木质素优先, 生物精炼, 生物质