Gold-Catalyzed Conversion of Lignin to Chemicals

Date:19 September 2018

Country: United States

Application

• Conversion of lignin into valuable aromatic monomers like vanillin and syringaldehyde.
• Potential applications in the food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries.

Description

This project focuses on a catalytic breakthrough for the oxidative depolymerization of lignin, using gold nanoparticles supported on a lithium-aluminum layered double hydroxide. The process targets the β-O-4 linkage in lignin, converting it into valuable aromatic monomers like vanillin and syringaldehyde. These monomers, used in the food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries, have high market values. The team is exploring ways to reduce gold usage while improving the process for industrial applications.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves the catalytic oxidative depolymerization of lignin. Gold nanoparticles supported on lithium-aluminium layered double hydroxide (LDH) are used as a catalyst to target the β-O-4 linkage in lignin. This process results in the production of low molecular weight aromatic monomers, such as vanillin, vanillic acid, and syringaldehyde. The catalyst follows a two-electron oxidative mechanism to avoid radical formation and improve yields.