Catalytic Conversion of Lignin Model Compound and Kraft Lignin over Reduced Ru/C Catalyst

Catalytic conversion of lignin into valuable liquid products has been a promising approach. Herein, we reported the catalytic conversion of the lignin model compound and Kraft lignin over reduced Ru/C catalyst with different industrial organic solvents using a high-pressure/ high-temperature reactor in a nitrogen atmosphere. The results showed reduced Ru/C catalyst is stable for two runs and active for the conversion of the lignin model compound (2-phenoxy-1-phenyl ethanol) with a breaking of the C-O ether bond at high temperature. In the case of Kraft lignin, 2-butanol and ethanol were potential solvents for the lignin conversion. The Ru/C catalyst enhanced the conversion of lignin, and the highest Kraft lignin conversion (similar to 68 %) was obtained by using ethanol solvent at 220 degrees C for 1 h reaction. The product distribution with most small phenolic compounds demonstrated the potential of Kraft lignin conversion over the Ru/C catalyst.

Automated summary

Catalytic conversion of lignin into valuable liquid products using reduced Ru/C catalyst was investigated. The results showed that the catalyst is stable and active for the conversion of lignin model compound. For Kraft lignin, the catalyst enhanced the conversion, with the highest conversion achieved using ethanol solvent at high temperature.