Lignin-based support for metal catalysts: Synthetic strategies, performance boost, and application advances

Abstract

Catalyst supports play a crucial role in improving the performance of metal catalysts, and there is an increasing interest in the development of catalyst supports based on sustainable materials. Lignin, as an abundant renewable aromatic polymer, is an ideal candidate for metal catalyst support due to its rich functional groups and tunable chemical properties, which can produce strong coordination which enable strong coordination with metals and their subsequent immobilization. This review addresses the research frontiers of lignin-based materials as metal catalyst supports, focusing on the versatile roles of lignin-based supports in enhancing catalyst performance. The current study status on lignin-based materials as catalyst supports for nano/atomic scale metal is presented in terms of unmodified/modified lignin, lignin/polymer composites, and lignin-based carbon materials. Then, the applications of metal catalysts supported by lignin-based materials for applications, such as wastewater treatment, biomass catalysis, and energy conversion, are summarized to highlight their potential to promote these processes. By emphasizing these advancements, the review aims to provide valuable insights into how lignin can be effectively utilized and customized to enhance its performance as a catalyst support.