Valorization of lignin through reductive catalytic fractionation of fermented corn stover residues

The fermented corn stover residues are abundant renewable lignin-rich bioresources that show great potential to produce aromatic phenols. However, selective catalytic hydrogenolysis of this residual material still remains challenge to obtain high yields. Herein, a novel strategy to produce monophenolic compounds from the fer-mented stover over a commercial Pd/C catalyst was proposed. Taking the reaction temperature as the key variable, the highest monomer yield was 28.5 wt% at 220 degrees C in compaction with that of the pristine corn stover (22.8 wt%). The enhanced monophenol yield was due to the higher contents of lignin and less recalcitrance in the fermented stover. Moreover, the van Krevelen diagram revealed a slight selective C-O bond scission of lignin macromolecular during fermentation as well as the dehydration and deoxygenation in hydrogenolysis reaction. Overall, this work opens a new avenue for the valorization of lignin through reductive catalytic fractionation of agricultural wastes.

Automated summary

A novel strategy using a commercial Pd/C catalyst was proposed to produce monophenolic compounds from fermented corn stover. By controlling the reaction temperature, the highest monomer yield of 28.5 wt% was achieved at 220 degrees C, compared to 22.8 wt% for pristine corn stover. The enhanced monophenol yield was attributed to higher lignin content and lower recalcitrance in the fermented stover. The results demonstrated a potential avenue for the valorization of lignin through reductive catalytic fractionation of agricultural waste.