(582i) Catalytic Depolymerization of Lignin into Value-Added Chemicals over CuO(X)MgAlOy Catalysts in Supercritical Ethanol

The depletion of fossil fuels leads to pay more attention to finding alternative energy or chemicals resources. Lignin has been regarded as one of the most promising natural feedstock despite of its recalcitrant structure. Therefore, it is essential to develop effective route to convert lignin into value-added chemicals. In this work, CuO(X)MgAlOy catalysts were examined to depolymerize lignin into monomeric compounds in supercritical ethanol without supplying additional hydrogen. The products were identified and quantified by using GC/MS and GC-FID. The monomers mainly consist of oxygen-containing benzenes resulting from the cleavage of β-O-4 linkage. The maximum yield of monomeric compounds reaches up to 18.4 wt.% over CuO(30)MgAlOy catalyst.

Analysis over both products and the catalysts by means of various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, GPC, NMR, XRD and NH₃-TPD allows us to understand the characteristics of catalytic depolymerization of lignin under supercritical ethanol condition.