Metal-alkali catalytic valorization of lignocellulose towards aromatics and small molecular alcohols and acids in a holistic approach

In this work, we developed an approach of one-pot complete catalytic conversion woody biomass into two value product streams: lignin-derived aromatics (monomer yield 68.54% and oligomer 29.65% based on lignin mass) (semi-)cellulose-derived small molecular alcohols (about 59.60% mass). These could be afforded by conducting lignocellulose depolymerization over metal-alkaline catalysts in a mixed n-butanol/H2O solvent system at 250 °C 30 bar H2. the valorization process, homogenous mixture n-butanol-H2O solvents extract depolymerize both hemicellulose, while H2 are essential to cleave inter-/intramolecular linkage target products. After reaction, phase separation n-butanol H2O takes place when temperature drops below 125 °C, providing mild effective strategy isolate (n-butanol phase) from alcohols/acids (aqueous phase). Ru/C alkali collected filtration phase, respectively. Meanwhile, effect metal-alkali coupled facilitates cleavage β-O-4 increases attainability oligomers alcohols. This provides versatile for catalysis bio-based chemicals.