The disassembly of lignin into aromatic monomers via aryl ether bond hydrogenolysis is catalyzed by a number of transition metals in the form of supported nanoparticles. The metal adsorbs and dissociates H2, or extracts reducing equivalents from an alcohol solvent. The choices of metal, support, and solvent dictate the relative rates of C-O bond cleavage and other reactions, including aromatic hydrogenation, hydrodeoxygenation, and tautomerization, leading to dramatic differences in reaction mechanisms and ultimately, selectivity. Pathways were mapped using operando MAS NMR spectroscopy to elucidate the role of each catalyst component in determining the outcomes of these biomass upgrading reactions.

Selectivity dependence in catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignin and lignin model compounds on the choice of metal and support

256th National Meeting (2018)

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