Heterogeneous Catalyzed Thermochemical Conversion of Lignin Model Compounds: An Overview.

Thermochemical lignin conversion processes can be described as complex reaction networks involving not only de-polymerization and re-polymerization reactions, but also chemical transformations of the depolymerized mono-, di-, and oligomeric compounds. They typically result in a product mixture consisting of a gaseous, liquid (i.e.

Gas reactions under intrapore condensation regime within tailored metal-organic framework catalysts.

Production of 1-butene, a major monomer in polymer industry, is dominated by homogeneous protocols via ethylene dimerization. Homogeneous catalysts can achieve high selectivity but require large amounts of activators and solvents, and exhibit poor recyclability; in turn, heterogeneous systems are robust but lack selectivity. Here we show how the precise engineering of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) holds promise for a sustainable process.

Solvent and catalyst effect in the formic acid aided lignin-to-liquids.

The effect of the type of solvent, ethanol or water, and a Ru/C catalyst were studied in the formic acid aided lignin conversion. The best results were obtained in the presence of the Ru/C catalyst and using ethanol as solvent at 300 °C and 10 h (i.e.

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).

Unraveling the Role of Formic Acid and the Type of Solvent in the Catalytic Conversion of Lignin: A Holistic Approach.

The role of formic acid together with the effect of the solvent type and their synergic interactions with a NiMo catalyst were studied for the conversion of lignin into bio-oil in an alcohol/formic acid media. The replacement of formic acid with H or isopropanol decreased the oil yield to a considerable degree, increased the solid yield, and altered the nature of the bio-oil. The differences induced by the presence of H were comparable to those observed in the isopropanol system, which suggests similar lignin conversion mechanisms for both systems.