Exploring the Characteristics of Carbon Structures Obtained from LignoBoost Lignin

In the present study, carbon structures from LignoBoost lignin were synthetized using HNO₃/H₂SO₄ one-pot hydrothermal treatment, followed by a thermal treatment. The obtained compounds were characterized using different techniques, such as FTIR, DVS, DLS, XRD, fluorescence imaging and STEM. The formed LCMs presented graphitized structure with quasi-spherical shapes. All obtained materials presented negative values of zeta potential due to the charge from the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, as confirmed by XPS analysis. All the data obtained sustained the heterogeneous composition of the lignin-based carbon materials, which arise from the complex structure of lignin. Fluorescence imaging demonstrated the potential of the materials as optical imaging agents.