Heterogeneously catalyzed lignin depolymerization

Appl Petrochem Res. 2016;6(3):243-256. doi: 10.1007/s13203-016-0157-y. Epub 2016 Jun 3.

Abstract

Biomass offers a unique resource for the sustainable production of bio-derived chemical and fuels as drop-in replacements for the current fossil fuel products. Lignin represents a major component of lignocellulosic biomass, but is particularly recalcitrant for valorization by existing chemical technologies due to its complex cross-linking polymeric network. Here, we highlight a range of catalytic approaches to lignin depolymerisation for the production of aromatic bio-oil and monomeric oxygenates.

Keywords: Biomass; Heterogeneous catalysis; Lignin; Solid acid.