Lignin: Recent advances and emerging applications

In this paper, we focus on the recent advances on the physical chemistry of lignin. Emerging trends of incorporating lignin in promising future applications such as controlled release, saccharification of lignocelluloses, bioplastics, composites, nanoparticles, adsorbents and dispersants, in electro-chemical applications and carbon fibers, are also reviewed. We briefly describe the complexity of the lignin structure that influences the solution behavior, both as a macromolecule and a colloid, as well as the potential of being a renewable precursor in the development of high-value applications. Special attention is paid on summarizing the present knowledge on lignin colloidal stability and surface chemistry. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.