A research visit to NREL (recently renamed as National Laboratory of the Rockies) in Colorado, USA
– to learn recent advancements and foster collaboration in lignin analytics.
Dr. Stefania Bertella, VTT
Bioboost aims at increasing avenues for the valorization of kraft lignin by developing an economically viable and technically feasible refining concept.
Using green solvent fractionation, Bioboost upgrades kraft lignin into tailored fractions with controlled chemical properties for high-value applications in polymers and energy storage. These lignin fractions can partially or fully replace fossil-based materials in products such as tires, wood resins, conductive plastics, batteries, and supercapacitors, often with equal or better performance.
The project supports new business opportunities for Finnish industry by improving the performance, sustainability, and export potential of refined lignin-based products with a lower CO2 footprint.
The project has its focus on three important areas: improving solvent recovery to enhance economic viability, developing high-performance lignin-based materials, and deepening the understanding of the link between fractionation conditions, lignin structure, and end-use performance.
Bioboost is led by VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, comprises a consortium of nine companies and it is co-funded by Business Finland
As part of this project, Dr. Stefania Bertella, senior scientist in lignin and side stream valorization at VTT, had the opportunity to spend five weeks between October and November 2025 at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (recently renamed National Laboratory of the Rockies) in Golden, Colorado, under the supervision of Prof. Gregg Beckham and group manager David Brandner.
The aim of the visit was to learn a new NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) experiment to study the structure and functionalities of lignin samples produced in the Bioboost project. After completing the necessary safety courses during the first week, including a speed-course on identifying and staying safe from rattlesnakes, which thrive in the dry areas of Colorado until late fall, the laboratory work could finally begin.
Under the guidance of postdoctoral researcher Dr. Jacob Kenny, who first developed and published the innovative lignin analytical technique which was at the center of the visit, the work proceeded flawlessly at the cutting-edge facilities of NREL, and plenty of data were successfully recorded and analysed in the remaining weeks of the research visit.
But this visit was not just spent in the laboratory. The vibrant community of brilliant scientists at NREL, who became friends during the visit, provided the opportunity to exchange ideas and attend events around biomass valorization, including the possibility to deliver a seminar and discussion on water-soluble lignins, one of the cores of Stefania’s scientific expertise.
On the weekends, much of the free time was used to take advantage of the warmth and sun that still shines most of the year in Colorado and explore the beautiful landscape of deserts and luxurious mountains surrounding the area. Favorite excursions included a visit to the most famous Red Rocks park and Amphitheatre and a 6.5 hours hike exploring lakes at the Rocky Mountains National Park.
Overall, this research visit was an enriching and beautiful opportunity which allowed first and foremost to learn a new powerful analytical technique for lignin characterization, which will become a staple technique for the Bioboost project and future research at VTT, and the creation of new friendships and collaboration opportunities with the brilliant scientists at NREL.
