Research project Elucidating time-resolved formation and assembly of lignin nanoparticles in the presence of metal ions
Lignin is a key structural component of plant cell walls, providing trees with mechanical strength, water transport capability, and resistance against environmental stress. When isolated from biomass, lignin can form lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) due to its amphiphilic character and the presence of functional groups such as phenolic hydroxyls and carboxylic acids. These chemical features enable lignin to interact with and stabilize metal ions, creating opportunities for advanced applications in water purification, ion exchange, and bio-based functional materials.
Despite this potential, the molecular mechanisms governing interactions between multivalent metal ions and lignin remain poorly understood, particularly how these interactions influence nanoparticle assembly, aggregation, and network formation. This project aims to elucidate the dynamic formation of lignin–metal hybrid nanoparticles using time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements at CoSAXS, including advanced experimental approaches based on levitating drops and microfluidic systems. The project will establish fundamental structure–property relationships that enable the controlled design of multifunctional lignin-based materials for sustainable applications.