Pyridine and DMSO seem to be the best solvents for lignin.

https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/solubility-of-li...

DMSO is a by-product of cellulose production.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimethyl_sulfoxide#Synthesis_a...

If this is the same bit that's hit this page just recently, the chemicals used were sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite (to remove the lignin) and then food grade oil to seal it.

So you can do this at home with a hydraulic press and a torch then? Would be kind of fun.

To dissolve lignin? I haven’t read the paper yet but doubt it’s anything terrible or too exotic. Probably a recipe based around sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

I heard an interview on the CBC and they mentioned sodium hydroxide.