Graphic novel: How can a by-product of the paper industry be transformed into high value-added molecules?

The reason lignin is still underutilised is its complex chemical structure. A key step involves demethylating it – that is, modifying its structure to make it more reactive. Current processes, based on acid or enzymatic treatments, still have limitations in terms of efficiency.

To tackle this challenge, ROSALIND is exploring two innovative approaches to demethylation:

• photochemistry, using light-activated photocatalysts
• sonochemistry, which uses ultrasound to promote chemical reactions

To make this research accessible to as many people as possible, Solène Gadona, a PhD student on the project, has chosen to tell the story… through a comic strip! This comic strip was produced as part of the course ‘Science communication through comic strips: application to PhD research’ at the Amiens Doctoral School, led by Estelle Bretagne and Leslie Dumortier.