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Solar Lignin Reforming with Tunable Selectivity Using a Hybrid Photocatalyst in Aqueous Solution

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The valorization of lignin provides an important means to access sustainable base chemicals, but current approaches are hampered by the lack of selective and scalable systems in aqueous solution. Here, we report a ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS)-based photocatalytic system that directs photogenerated electrons to cocatalysts to control product selectivity by using concentrated solar irradiation. By introducing a phosphonated molecular Ni cocatalyst for hydrogen evolution (NiP), the conversion of the lignin model compound 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol shifts from phenol and acetophenone on bare ZIS to H 2 and 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanone on the ZIS|NiP system (5 sun). The latter achieves a turnover number (TON H2 ) of up to 120 mol H2 mol NiP –1 . Integration of a phosphonated Ni bis(terpyridine) cocatalyst (NitpyP) in a CO 2 -saturated aqueous solution redirects photogenerated electrons toward syngas (H 2 /CO) production (TON syngas = 48), whereas immobilization of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) produces formate (TON formate = 2200). The hybrid photocatalyst could also convert polymeric lignin, albeit with lower activity (e.g., TON H2 = 18 for organosolv lignin). Two days of outdoor testing under real sunlight confirms the system’s robustness under fluctuating environmental conditions, with solar heating (to ∼60 °C) enhancing performance and selectivity. Our findings establish photocatalyst tuning as a strategy to control product selectivity in solar lignin reforming, which can be more widely applied in other photocatalytic reactions in the future.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c11981