Hybridization of CuO with BiVO₄ as an Efficient and Stable Photocatalyst for Selective Cleavage of Lignin C–C Bonds

Abstract

The solar-driven transformation of lignin into aromatic compounds is a promising approach for biomass utilization. However, selective cleavage of lignin C–C bonds on the solid catalyst surface under suitable conditions is a difficult task. Here, a CuO/BiVO4 hybrid was reported for the selective oxidation of C–C bonds under simulated sunlight at room temperature. The synergistic effect of CuO and BiVO4 benefited charge dynamics and transfer from the photoexcitation sites to the active centers. The model substrate representing lignin β-O-4 linkages was converted into aromatic compounds with 86.5% C–C cleavage selectivity, and the aromatic compounds were produced with a yield reaching 665.03 μmol gcat –1·h–1. Mechanistic studies showed that Cα–Cβ bonds were efficiently cleaved mainly through hydrogen abstraction from the β-carbon by photogenerated holes and the generation of •O2 – from adsorbed O2 by photoexcited electrons. The result provided new views into the development of more efficient photocatalysts for the cleavage of lignin C–C bonds through interfacial engineering.

Novel Mechanoenzymatic Strategy for Lignin Depolymerization

“…With the optimized reaction conditions at hand, we were able to smoothly depolymerize typical β-O-4 models (1b–1f) in high C–C cleavage yields; the yields of 2b–2f and 3b–f were 83–94 and 85–90%, respectively. Notably, the degradation efficiency of the lignin β-O-4 model compound (1f) using this methodology increased by 20–40% when compared to a previously reported method. ,, These findings demonstrate the versatility of the mechanoenzymatic system in degrading a broad range of substrates with sufficient degradation ability.…”

“…Notably, the degradation efficiency of the lignin β-O-4 model compound (1f) using this methodology increased by 20−40% when compared to a previously reported method. 5,40,41 These findings demonstrate the versatility of the mechanoenzymatic system in degrading a broad range of substrates with sufficient degradation ability.…”

Heteroatom-doped lignin-derived carbon material: performance and application

“…The application of carbon materials in energy storage has become a hot topic due to their low cost, good conductivity, stability, and large specic surface area. [52][53][54][55] Especially, ligninbased carbon materials are widely applied in metal-ion and metal-air batteries as electrode materials. According to the energy storage mechanism, the role of lignin-based carbon in metal-air batteries and metal-ion batteries different.…”

Multisite photocatalytic depolymerization of lignin model compound utilizing full-spectrum light over magnetic microspheres

“…Zhang et al. 24 reported a CuO/BiVO 4 catalyst that could selectively cleave C α –C β bonds. With the photocatalyst, lignin β- O -4 linkages were broken to form aromatic compounds with a yield of 86.5%.…”