Optimized Sustainable Production of Catechol from Lignin-Rich Agricultural Waste

This study addresses critical challenges in the chemical industry, including resource depletion, energy consumption, and environmental impact, by investigating sustainable and economically feasible processes for catechol production from corn stover. Using the Differential Evolution with Tabu List (DETL) methodology, this research aims to optimize the production process by minimizing environmental indicators and maximizing Return on Investment (ROI) and the Inherent Safety Index (ISI). Two pretreatment methods-dilute acid and organosolv-are evaluated to assess their efficiency in converting lignin-rich biomass into catechol. The optimization process revealed several designs achieving high catechol purity of 98%, with recovery rates up to 390% higher for the organosolv method compared to the dilute acid method. The ROI for the organosolv method was found to be 41%, in contrast to 33% for the dilute acid method, while the environmental impact of organosolv (1.11 x 108 pts/kg catechol) was higher than that of dilute acid (4.06 x 106 pts/kg catechol). Through the integration of advanced optimization tools, the study proposes two sustainable designs for catechol production, underscoring the significance of selecting appropriate pretreatment methods. These findings support the goals of green chemistry and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda, enhancing the valorization of agricultural waste and fostering more sustainable industrial practices. This research sets a precedent for future innovations in the biorefinery sector, demonstrating the potential of advanced methodologies to develop efficient and environmentally responsible chemical processes.