Metal Sulfide Photocatalysts for Lignocellulose Valorization

Transition metal sulfides are an extraordinarily vital class of semiconductors with a wide range of applications in the photocatalytic field. A great number of recent advances in photocatalytic transformations of lignocellulosic biomass, the largest renewable carbon resource, into high-quality fuels and value-added chemicals has been achieved over metal sulfide semiconductors. Herein, the progress and breakthroughs in metal-sulfide-based photocatalytic systems for lignocellulose valorization with an emphasis on selective depolymerization of lignin and oxidative coupling of some important bioplatforms are highligted. The key issues that control reaction pathways and mechanisms are carefully examined. The functions of metal sulfides in the elementary reactions, including C-O-bond cleavage, selective oxidations, C-C coupling, and C-H activation, are discussed to offer insights to guide the rational design of active and selective photocatalysts for sustainable chemistry. The prospects of sulfide photocatalysts in biomass valorization are also analyzed and briefly discussed.

Automated summary

Transition metal sulfides are crucial semiconductors in the field of photocatalysis, playing a significant role in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-quality fuels and chemicals. Recent advancements in selective depolymerization of lignin and oxidative coupling of bioplatforms over metal sulfide semiconductors have been highlighted, emphasizing the importance of understanding reaction pathways and mechanisms for the rational design of efficient and selective photocatalysts.