Tunable Transfer‐Hydrodeoxygenated Upgrading of Lignin‐Derived Propylphenols to Versatile Value‐Added Alkane‐Based Chemicals
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Catalytic refining of lignin holds promise for producing sustainable platform chemicals. In this work, a gaseous hydrogen-free catalytic hydrodeoxygenation system is developed for upgrading lignin-derived phenols to alkane chemicals. Commercially available Raney Ni and HZSM-5 are used as a combinational catalyst, with isopropanol serving as the hydrogen-donating solvent. By modifying the temperature and the ratio of Raney Ni to HZSM-5, the reaction pathways for hydrogenation and deoxygenation can be tailored to specific requirements. As a result, a 97.1% yield of alkane fuels is achieved, with 64.4% propylcyclohexane and 32.7% propylbenzene obtained in one-pot reaction from the hydrodeoxygenation of 2-methoxy-4-propylphenol using a 3:1 mass ratio of Ni to HZSM-5, further increasing the ratio of HZSM-5 leads to a selectively production of propylbenzene in 62.0% yield. Through careful regulation of the catalytic system and the design of hydrogenation-deoxygenation pathways, excellent yields of 4-propylcyclohexanol (92.2%), propylcyclohexene (93.3%), and propylcyclohexane (93.2%) are directionally achieved. The catalyst maintained a conversion rate of over 99% after five cycles, demonstrating excellent robustness. This study offers a strategic system that expedites the selective upgrading of lignin-derived chemicals, heralding a pathway toward sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Source: Advanced Science
Institution: Northeast Forestry University
Language: English
Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,730
Awards: G2369836435, G4595630747, G6535031010
OpenAlex ID: W4408322798