One-pot upgrading of coconut coir lignin over high-efficiency Ni2P catalysts. Issue 6 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Panpian, Pattreeya; Pham, Le Kim Hoang; Kongparakul, Suwadee; Ding, Mingyue; Wang, Peifen; Guan, Guoqing; Chanlek, Narong; Poo-arporn, Yingyot; Reubroycharoen, Prasert; Samart, Chanatip
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Py-GCMS pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry -- TPR temperature-programmed reduction -- XRD X-ray diffraction -- TEM transmission electron microscopy -- BET Brunauer–Emmett–Teller -- BJH Barrett–Joyner–Halenda -- NH3-TPD ammonia temperature-programed desorption -- XANES X-ray absorption near-edge structure -- XAS X-ray absorption spectroscopy; Lignin -- Depolymerization -- Py-GCMS -- Biomass -- Phenol -- Ni2P catalyst; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: The utilization of lignin as a source of phenolic compounds requires highly efficient and selective depolymerization catalysts. Herein, lignin depolymerization was investigated over Ni2 P catalysts supported on nitrogen-doped activated carbon (Ni2 P/AC_N). The catalysts were prepared by an incipient wetness co-impregnation method followed by reduction with H2 gas. The presence of nitrogen-containing functional groups on the activated carbon surface resulted in the dispersion of Ni2 P particles. The good distribution and small crystal size of Ni2 P significantly increased the active surface area, which enhanced both the catalytic activity and phenol selectivity. Investigations of the catalytic activity at different reaction temperatures and lignin-to-catalyst ratios using pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that the highest phenol selectivity of 80% was achieved using the Ni2 P/AC_N25% catalyst. The proposed reaction mechanism involves lignin depolymerization via C–O and C–C cleavage with subsequent phenol formation by demethoxylation. Owing to its high phenol selectivity, the Ni2 P/AC_N catalyst has good potential for the transformation of lignin to phenol. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Ni2 P catalysts supported on nitrogen-doped activated carbon were synthesized. Smaller and more disperse Ni2 P particles formed at higher nitrogen doping contents. A large active surface area enhanced the lignin depolymerization activity. Ni2 P on activated carbon with 25 wt% nitrogen gave a phenol selectivity of 80%.