Role of NbO Crystal Phases on the Photocatalytic Conversion of Lignin Model Molecules and Selectivity for Value-Added Products.

The photocatalytic conversion in aqueous media of phenol and guaiacol as a lignin model compound using NbO with different crystal phases was studied. NbO particles were synthesized using hydrothermal methods, where it was observed that changes in the solvent control their morphology and crystal phase. Different photocatalytic behavior of NbO was observed with the selected model compounds, indicating that its selection directly impacts the resulting conversion and selectivity rates as well as the reaction pathway, highlighting the relevance of model molecule selection.