Oxidative Cleavage of β-O-4 Linkage in Lignin via Co Nanoparticles Embedded in 3DNG as Catalyst.

The cleavage of β-O-4 linkage in lignin is one of the key steps for oxidative conversion of lignin to low-molecular-weight aromatics. Herein, Co nanoparticles embedded in three-dimensional network of nitrogen-doped graphene (Co/NG@3DNG-X) were prepared through an immersion-pyrolysis procedure, in which X denotes the pyrolysis temperature. The detailed characterization of Co/NG@3DNG-X shows that the Co nanoparticles are coated with a few layers of nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) sheets that are further embedded in 3DNG matrix.

Catalytic Oxidation of Veratryl Alcohol Derivatives Using RuCo/rGO Composites.

Chemoselectively oxidizing C -OH to C=O has been considered as a key step for the oxidative depolymerization of lignin. In this work, we design and prepare a series of composites of RuCo alloy nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RuCo/rGO) with different Ru to Co ratios and explore their catalytic activities in the oxidation of veratryl alcohol derivatives, which usually serve as the model compounds for studying lignin oxidation. It is illustrated that the Ru to Co ratio determines the morphology and average size of the RuCo alloy nanoparticles on rGO, and the overall catalytic activities of the composites.

Hydrolysis of Organophosphorus Agents Catalyzed by Cobalt Nanoparticles Supported on Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Graphene.

Catalytic chemical degradations and many other methodologies have been explored for the removal and/or degradation of organophosphorus agents (OPs) that are often used as pesticides, nerve agents, and plasticizers. To explore more efficient and recyclable catalysts for the removal and/or degradation of OPs, we fabricate the composites of cobalt nanoparticles and three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene (Co/3DNG). We demonstrate that OPs can be hydrolyzed efficiently at ambient temperature by the Co/3DNG.