Analysis of the effect of temperature and reaction time on yields, compositions and oil quality in catalytic and non-catalytic lignin solvolysis in a formic acid/water media using experimental design.

The catalytic solvolysis of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) lignin in a formic acid/water media was explored at different temperatures and reaction times (283-397°C and 21-700min, respectively). Non-catalyzed experiments were compared with the effect of three different type of bifunctional catalysts (Pd/AlO, Rh/AlO and Ru/AlO) and a solid Lewis acid (γ-AlO).