Catalytic roles of Mo-based sites on MoS2 for ethanolysis of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin into aromatic monomers

The depolymerization of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL) is examined over one-step hydrothermal-synthesized MoS2 in ethanol without hydrogen gas. Value-added aromatic molecules, mainly including alkyl-substituted phenols (A-Ps), are obtained char or tar formation. samples prepared with different Mo and S precursors have been tested the highest monomer yield 226.4 mg/g EHL achieved thioacetamide sodium molybdate as (STA-MoS2) at 320 °C for 12 h. Proper ratios Mo6+/Mo5+ (~0.46–0.65) (Mo6++Mo5+)/Mo4+ (~0.47–0.62) on surface catalysts found to be significant achievement high overall yield. MoOxSy species Mo5+ S22- proposed active site production complex alkyl via demethoxylation alkylation. carbon deposition exchanges sulfur oxygen atoms resulted from oxidization likely responsible deactivation catalyst.