Lignin is an important raw material for the sustainable biorefineries and also the forerunner of high-value
added products, such as biocomposite for chemical, pharmaceutical and cement industries. Oil palm
empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) were used for lignin preparation by successive treatment with 1% (w/w)
H2SO4 at 121 C for 60 min and 2.5% NaOH at 121 C for 80 min resulting in the high lignin yield of
28.89%, corresponding to 68.82% of the original lignin. The lignin obtained was characterized by gel permeation
chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic
resonance (NMR). The results indicated a lignin with molecular masses ramping from 4500 kDa to
12,580 kDa. FTIR and NMR of these lignins showed more syringyl and p-hydroxyphenyl than guaiacyl
units. Moderate acid/alkaline treatment provided lignin with high industrial potential and acid
hydrolyzates rich in fermentable sugars and highly porous cellulosic fibers.