Catalytic refining lignin into toluene over atomically dispersed Cu/Ni dual sites

Xin Zhao, Changzhi Li (), Jie Wen, Qian Qiang, Zirong Shen, Haipeng Yu, Xin Zhou, Fengxia Yue, Ruiqi Fang (), Yingwei Li () and Tao Zhang
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Xin Zhao: South China University of Technology
Changzhi Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jie Wen: South China University of Technology
Qian Qiang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zirong Shen: South China University of Technology
Haipeng Yu: Northeast Forestry University
Xin Zhou: South China University of Technology
Fengxia Yue: South China University of Technology
Ruiqi Fang: South China University of Technology
Yingwei Li: South China University of Technology
Tao Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Lignin refining still suffers from great challenges of selective depolymerization and cleavage of stubborn C‒C linkages. Here, a robust atomically dispersed Cu/Ni-SA@HNC catalyst is fabricated for super-selective hydrogenolysis of lignin and model compounds via an unusual “preferential Cα–Cβ bond cleavage in β-O-4 linkages” pathway, affording toluene in yield up to 75.7% from β-O-4 model compounds, and up to 33.7 ± 1.6 wt% (nine parallel experiments) from poplar lignin. The catalyst exhibits high stability, and the scale-up potential is demonstrated by the high space-time yield of toluene (33.7 g·gcat−1·h−1) in continuous flow reaction of β-O-4 model compound. The origin of the extraordinary selectivity towards Cα–Cβ bond cleavage rather than C‒O bond cleavage in β-O-4 model compounds is uncovered. This work conquers the major challenges in lignin valorization by using non-noble dual-metal single-atom catalyst, not only showcasing the application perspective of atomically dispersed catalysts in biopolymer refinery, but also providing a cost-efficient, petroleum independent solution to valuable commodity chemicals.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63286-5

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