Aqueous lignin dispersions and methods of preparing the same

A stable aqueous colloidal lignin particle dispersion comprising at least 1.0 wt. % colloidal lignin particles of spherical shape, which have an average diameter below 400 nm dispersed in a mixture comprising at least two organic solvents and water,

• wherein the at least two organic solvents comprise at least one organic solvent which is miscible in water and capable of dissolving lignin at concentrations of at least 5 wt. % and at least one co-solvent, said at least one co-solvent miscible in water and capable of suppressing aggregation of the colloidal lignin, and
• wherein a ratio of the at least one organic solvent which is miscible in water and capable of dissolving lignin at concentrations of at least 5 wt. % to the at least one co-solvent is from 1:3 to 3:1.