The C–O bond dissociation energy of the β–O–4 linkage can be significantly reduced upon the oxidation of the α- or Υ-carbon. Our previous work has demonstrated the oxidation of benzylic alcohols in model lignin compounds and real lignins using a Ru-polypyridyl based catalyst adsorbed onto a TiO2 electrode under mild conditions. These studies provided strong evidence for the viability of a DSPEC-LC to perform lignin decomposition via sequential oxidative and reductive photocatalytic C–O bond cleavage. Here, we explore a new approach to support the reductive cleavage to form the phenolic and arylketone products at a photocathode. The photocathode is constructed with a polypyridyl Ir photocatalyst (Ir) here in combination with an inverse opal structured-indium tin oxide (IO ITO) semiconductor-based surfaces. By using of the Ir chromophore sensitized IO-ITO photocathode, we successfully performed lignin decomposition via reductive photocatalytic C–O bond cleavage in lignin-type substrates with the AM1.5 G solar simulator at room temperature.

Photocatalytic cleavage of aryl ether in lignin for depolymerization under mild conditions

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.