Catalytic conversion of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin into cycloalkanes over a gamma-alumina supported nickel molybdenum alloy catalyst

The efficient depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin are achieved in cyclohexane solvents over a gamma-alumina supported nickel molybdenum alloy catalyst single step. Under initial 3 MPa hydrogen at 320 °C, the highest overall cycloalkane yield 104.4 mg/g with 44.4 wt% selectivity ethyl-cyclohexane was obtained. reaction atmosphere temperature have significant effects on conversion, product type distribution. conversion also investigated different molybdenum-based catalysts, exhibited activity among those catalysts. To reveal pathways alkylphenol hydrodeoxygenation, 4-ethylphenol tested as model compound. Complete into cycloalkanes achieved. A two-step mechanism dihydroxylation – hydrogenation is proposed, which benzene ring saturation deemed rate-determining