Lignin-based compositions and related hydrocarbon separation methods
Compositions are provided for hydrocarbon separation applications. In some embodiments, the composition comprises lignin, in particular technical lignin, and at least one strain of bacteria capable of biosurfactant production and/or a biosurfactant produced by at least one such isolated strain of bacteria. Also provided is a method for separating hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-containing material.
1 . A method for separating hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-containing material, the method comprising:
a) combining the hydrocarbon-containing material, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing material comprises hydrocarbon-containing particulate matter, a hydrocarbon-containing liquid, or a combination thereof, with a composition comprising i) lignin and ii) at least one isolated strain of bacteria capable of producing at least one biosurfactant and/or at least one biosurfactant produced from the at least one isolated strain of bacteria, wherein the composition has a solids content of about 50% or above, to form an admixture;
b) separating out at least a portion of the hydrocarbons from the admixture; and
c) recovering at least a portion of the composition from the admixture remaining after step b) for further processing, re-use, or disposal of the composition.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising introducing a liquid into the admixture to form a slurry and allowing the slurry to separate into at least two phases under gravity, in a separation tank, and/or facilitated by stirring, agitation, centrifugation, or ultrasonic separation techniques.
3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrocarbon-containing material comprises the hydrocarbon-containing liquid and wherein step a) further comprises flowing the hydrocarbon-containing liquid through the composition.
4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the lignin comprises at least one of lignin nanoparticles and lignin microparticles.
5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the lignin includes lignin particles, at least 20% of the lignin particles being lignin nanoparticles.
6 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises a catholyte solution.
7 . The method according to claim 2 , wherein the liquid is a catholyte solution.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the composition recovered in step c) comprises the lignin and/or the at least one isolated strain of bacteria.