Frontiers in physical chemistry for lignin valorisation Faraday Discussion

Introduction

Welcome

Join us in London in September 2025 for this edition of the Faraday Discussion series. The Faraday Discussions are unique international discussion meetings that address current and emerging topics at the forefront of the physical sciences.

Lignins are one of the most abundant components of plant biomass and new concepts for converting lignins into valuable products are important for scientific advances in biorefineries. However the structural complexity of lignins makes understanding their physical-chemical properties challenging.

On behalf of the organising committee, I look forward to welcoming you to London.

Roberto Rinaldi (Chair)

Why attend?

Find out more about Faraday Discussions in the video and FAQs 鈥� see Useful links on the right.

A unique conference format that prioritises discussion
At a Faraday Discussion, the primary research papers written by the speakers are distributed to all participants before the meeting 鈥� ensuring that most of the meeting is devoted to discussing the latest research.

This provides a genuinely collaborative environment, where discussion and debate are at the foreground. All delegates, not just speakers, are invited to make comments, ask questions, or present complementary or contradictory measurements and calculations.

An exciting programme of talks 鈥� and more
Take part in a well-balanced mix of talks, discussion, poster sessions and informal networking, delivered by our expert events team. You can explore the full programme in the downloadable files on the right 鈥� whether you鈥檙e attending in-person or online, every minute provides an opportunity.

The conference dinner, included in the registration fee, contains the Marlow Cup ceremony: a unique commemoration of past Faraday Discussion organisers that is sure to encourage further discussions over dinner.

In-depth discussion with leaders in the field
World-leading and established researchers connect with each other and early-career scientists and postgraduate students to discuss the latest research and drive science forwards. It鈥檚 a unique atmosphere 鈥� and challenging others to get to the heart of the problem is encouraged!

Your contributions, published and citable
A citable record of the discussion is published in the Faraday Discussions journal, alongside the research papers. Questions, comments and remarks become a valuable part of the published scientific conversation, and every delegate can make a major contribution.

Discover London
The Discussion will take place at Burlington House, Piccadilly, in the centre of London and its historic attractions. Step out to explore the capital city while you鈥檙e here 鈥� or stay a few extra days to explore the city further and the surrounding area.

Themes

This Faraday Discussion aims to further the understanding of the physical-chemical processes that are the basis for lignin extraction, stabilisation and degradation. Focusing on the latest developments in lignin valorisation, this Faraday Discussion will bring together researchers at the forefront of physical-chemical research.

Native lignin solvation and extraction
This session will discuss the physical chemistry of the early stages of the delignification of plant biomass including: molecular understanding of native lignin and supramolecular interactions; mechanistic understanding of native lignin solvation in different classes of solvents; simulations of dynamics of lignin in lignocellulosic matrices and solutions; structure and dynamics of solvated lignin; advanced characterisation of lignocellulosic materials.

Lignin stabilisation and degradation in lignocellulosic fractionation processes
This session will focus on: solvent effects, thermodynamics and kinetics aspects of the stabilisation and competitive degradation routes in lignin extraction; molecular mechanisms involving lignin in solution including the interplay between hemicellulose and lignin chemistries; mechanisms of catalytic processes for lignin stabilisation and controlled depolymerisation; fractionation of lignin oil to produce well-defined fractions of lignin products.

Commercially available technical lignins
Commercially available technical lignins feature complex polymeric structures, rendering the determination and standardisation of the physical-chemical properties of technical lignins very difficult. This session will focus on: materials and processes for the separation of lignin and products; experimental measurements and computational predictions of thermodynamic properties of technical lignins; separation process simulations; solubility parameters of technical lignins.

Strategies for compatibilisation of extracted lignin properties with commercial applications
Technical lignins seldom feature the properties required for their utilisation in the value chains of the chemical industry. In this session, the discussion will be centred on how to match the compatibility of lignin with market-relevant matrices (e.g., polymers, aqueous formulations, solvent-borne formulations). We will discuss: relationships between structure and physical chemical properties of technical lignins; environmentally benign methods for fractionation and modification of technical lignins; physical chemistry of lignin compatibilisation with market-relevant matrices.

Useful links

Faraday Discussion meetings FAQs Find out more about these unique meetings

Downloads

Outline programme

Speakers

Dimitris Argyropoulos (Introductory lecture), North Carolina State University, United States

Professor of 九州影院 at North Carolina State University. He has also served as a Finland Distinguished Professor of 九州影院 with the department of 九州影院 of the University of Helsinki, Finland and Distinguished visiting Professor with the center for Advanced Materials and the Department of 九州影院 King Abdulaziz University, Jedah, Saudi Arabia. Professor Argyropoulos’ efforts span four decades of internationally recognized contributions to the science and green chemistry of wood biopolymers for materials, chemicals & energy purposes. His work focuses at promoting our understanding of the structure and reactivity of such polymers and the development of novel NMR and material science techniques for the structural elucidation and upgrading of these biopolymers. The efforts of his research group have been published in excess of 250 scientific papers, numerous scientific conferences invited presentations and patents. Professor Argyropoulos is a Fellow of the 九州影院, the International Academy of Wood science and the Chemical Institute of Canada.

Thomas Elder, USDA-Forest Service, Southern Research Station, United States

Thomas Elder is a Research Scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service. He received the Ph.D. degree from Texas A&M University. He is an Emeritus Professor in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and Affiliate Professor in Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Center for Renewable Carbon at the University of Tennessee−Knoxville. He has been a visiting scientist at the University of
Wisconsin, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research is concerned with the chemical characterization and utilization of wood. He is active in the application of computational chemistry to the reactions and structure of lignin.

Agnieszka Brandt-Talbot, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Dr Agi Brandt-Talbot is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the Department of 九州影院 at Imperial College London and leads the Sustainable Carbon Solutions research group. Dr Brandt-Talbot is interested in sustainable chemistry and the circular economy, including creating sustainable materials from lignin. She has authored 36 scientific articles with more than 6000 citations (H factor 27) and holds 5 patents. She is a co-founder of Imperial spin-out Lixea who is developing a waste-free wood fractionation technology that generates lignin and cellulose from biomass waste. More recently, Agi discovered a patented cost-effective technology to generate lignin fibres for sustainable composites. Dr Brandt-Talbot received a BSc in 九州影院 and Biochemistry and an MSc in 九州影院 from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany. She has a PhD from Imperial (Department of 九州影院 and Life Sciences) and was a Research Associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering before being awarded an Imperial College Research Fellowship to start her own research group. She is a Member of the 九州影院 (MRSC) and the Honorary Treasurer of the RSC Molten Salts and Ionic Liquids Discussion Group.

Katalin Barta (Closing remarks lecture) University of Graz, Austria
Veronica Calado Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Heiko Lange UNIMB, Italy
Martin Lawoko KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Huizhen Liu Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Joseph Samec Stockholm University, Sweden
Mojgan Nejad Michigan State University, United States

Abstract submission

Abstract submission has now been extended

Oral abstracts

Submit an oral/paper abstract if you wish to be considered for an oral presentation and associated published paper. A full research paper containing new unpublished results always accompanies oral presentations at Faraday Discussions. The oral/paper abstract should outline current research in progress. Authors of the selected abstracts must then submit a full research paper with a significant amount of new, unpublished work by 28 April 2025.

The research papers are reviewed upon submission and are sent to all delegates 4 weeks before the meeting so they can be read in advance. At the meeting the presenting author is allowed five minutes to highlight the main points of their paper, and the rest of the time is for discussion. The discussion is recorded and will be published alongside the research paper in the Faraday Discussions volume.

Poster abstracts

Submit your poster abstract by 30 June 2025. Posters are displayed throughout the meeting and a poster session is held on the first evening. A poster prize will be awarded to the best student poster presented at the conference.

Additional information

All oral and poster abstracts will be reviewed by the committee. Authors will be notified of the outcome of the review process within about 6 weeks of the submission deadline. The abstracts should be no longer than one A4 page in portrait layout. Please ensure you provide the details of the presenting author and indicate whether you are submitting an abstract for oral or poster presentation.

Deadlines

Useful links

Registration

In-person registration includes:

Attendance at all scientific sessions
Attendance at the poster session
Refreshments throughout the meeting and lunch on all three days
Attendance at the poster drinks reception on 10 September
Attendance at the conference dinner on 11 September
Access to all journal paper PDF “pre-prints” before the meeting
Access to recordings of all scientific sessions post-event
For full paying delegates, a copy of the Faraday Discussions journal volume, issued approximately 5 months after the meeting, containing all papers presented at the meeting and accompanying discussion comments. Student delegates may purchase a copy of the volume at less than half price, during the registration process or on site at the meeting.

Please note accommodation is not included in the registration fee.

All prices quoted do not include VAT, which is added during registration at the prevailing rate in the UK

	Early bird	Standard
Non-member	£545+VAT	£595+VAT
RSC member	£435+VAT	£485+VAT
Student non-member	£265+VAT	£315+VAT
Student RSC member	£215+VAT	£265+VAT
Accommpanying person	£125+VAT	£125+VAT

Virtual registration includes:

鈥婰ive access to all scientific sessions
Access to all journal paper PDF “pre-prints” before the meeting
Access to recordings of all scientific sessions post-event

All prices quoted do not include VAT, which is added during registration at the prevailing rate in the UK

	Standard
Non-member	£155+VAT
RSC member	£130+VAT
Student non-member	£95+VAT
Student RSC member	£70+VAT

A copy of the Faraday Discussions journal volume containing papers presented at the Discussion (issued approximately 5 months after the meeting) is not included in the virtual registration fee. Delegates may purchase a copy of the volume at less than half price, during the registration process or on site at the meeting.

RSC members and student RSC members

If you are a 九州影院 member and wish to register for this meeting, please select the member option on the online registration page. You will need to enter your membership number.

Non-member and student non-members

For non-member registrants, affiliate membership of the 九州影院 until the end of 2025 is available. The affiliate membership application will be processed and commence once the registrant has attended the event.

Student delegates

In order to encourage undergraduate or postgraduate students to attend the Discussion, a reduced conference fee is available for students. This fee applies to those undertaking a full-time course for a recognised degree or a diploma at a university or equivalent institution.

A copy of the Faraday Discussions journal volume containing papers presented at the Discussion (issued approximately 5 months after the meeting) is not included in the student registration fee. Students may purchase a copy of the volume at less than half price, during the registration process or on site at the meeting.

Accompanying person

If you would like to bring a guest to the conference, this can be done during the registration process. There will be an additional charge, which will include all lunches, refreshments and the conference dinner. The fee does not include attendance at any scientific sessions, journal paper pre-prints or the journal volume.

Accessibility

The 九州影院 is keen to encourage and enable as many people as possible to attend our events, to benefit from the networking opportunities and the chance to hear talks from leaders in the field. If you would like to discuss accessibility, or have childcare, caring responsibilities or other care needs, please contact us to discuss your requirements so that we can enable your attendance. Please refer also to our Grants for Carers fund; for more information please see the ‘bursaries’ section on this page.

Terms and Conditions for Events run by the 九州影院

Deadlines

Bursaries

Grants for Carers

With our Grants for Carers, you can apply for up to £1,200 per year to help you attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference or workshop or a professional development event. This money would be used to cover any additional costs you incur, paying for care that you usually provide. Please visit the website for further information and eligibility criteria.

Accessibility Grants

With our Accessibility Grants, you can apply for up to £1,200 per year to help with the cost of specific support to attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference, workshop or professional development event. This support might be any form of equipment, service, or other personal expense associated with meeting your access needs.

Researcher Development and Travel Grants

If you are an RSC member and you are one of the following:

a PhD student actively undertaking a PhD course in the chemical sciences;
a researcher in the chemical sciences (including post docs, research technicians and research assistants);
working in academia, industry or any sector;
within 10 years of leaving full time education (at the time of the application deadline).

You can apply for up to £500 to support your participation in this event.

Please note it is not necessary to have confirmation of abstract acceptance before applying for a Researcher Development and Travel Grant and we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Please see the website for up-to-date information on eligibility, how to apply and submission deadlines.

Researcher Development and Travel Grants can be applied for in addition to Grants for Carers and Assistance Grants.

Useful links

Sponsorship & supporting organisations

There are opportunities available to become a Faraday Discussion sponsor and exhibitor, as well as poster session and abstract book advertising options. A sponsorship menu document is available to download from this page with more details and prices.

If you would like more information about sponsoring the 2025 Faraday Discussion series, please contact the Commercial Sales Department at the 九州影院 on advertising@rsc.org

Venue

The 九州影院

九州影院, The 九州影院, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BA, United Kingdom

The Burlington House (Royal Academy) courtyard is located on the north side of Piccadilly, directly across the street from Fortnum and Mason. The 九州影院 is located on the right hand side of the Burlington House courtyard.

Travel

By underground: The nearest stations are Green Park or Piccadilly Circus; both are a 5-minute walk to the venue. If you use Green Park please leave via Piccadilly Northside and look for the Royal Academy entrance, turn left out of the station, you will see the red flags of Burlington House ahead of you.

By train: London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street or London Victoria train stations are the most accessible and then require a short tube journey to the venue You can take either the Piccadilly or Victoria line to Green Park or Piccadilly tube stations and only the Victoria line to Green Park from Victoria station

By coach: National Express operates a comprehensive coach service to most parts of the country from Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, Sw1W 9TP
National Express coaches: www.nationalexpress.com
Megabus low-cost coach tickets: http://uk.megabus.com

By bus: Bus numbers 14, 19, 22 and 38 all stop near to Burlington House.

Useful links

Committee

Contact information

九州影院

Share: