Lignin is the largest non-carbohydrate component in lignocellulosic biomass, representing a promising resource for renewable biofuels and value-added chemicals. Two-step lignin depolymerization, including oxidation of benzyl alcohol in lignin followed by reductive cleavage of C-O bonds (i.e. β-O-4 linkage), has focused to be explored under the mild conditions. In this study, we demonstrated a highly effective photocatalytic method via a hydrogen transfer process in organic media (e.g. acetonitrile) for benzylic 2° alcohol oxidation within lignin-type model compounds and native lignin at room temperature under visible light. Lignin model compounds were oxidized over 90 % conversion in a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell (DSPEC) under aerobic conditions with simulated solar illumination (AM 1.5G). Importantly, we observed the photocatalytic oxidation of real lignin in darkly colored opaque real lignin solution using the DSPEC under the same reaction conditions for the aforementioned lignin model compounds. This photocatalytic oxidation method utilizing a heterogeneous catalysis process in combination with the hydrogen transfer mediator provides a unique foundation to expand selective C-O bond cleavage reactions in the development of lignin conversion technologies.

Solar driven oxidation of benzylic alcohol in lignin using a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.