Lignin Model Compound Hydrogenolysis Over ZSM-5-Supported Cu/Ni Bimetallic Transition Metal Catalysts

Abstract

In this paper, a series of bimetallic Ni-Cu/ZSM-5 catalysts was prepared, characterized, and investigated in the hydrogenolysis of lignin model compounds. This study is aimed at the understanding of the properties of supported bimetallic nanoparticles prepared via a facile hydrothermal/reduction synthesis for potential applications within biorefining facilities. Changes in metal loadings and relative metal contents were found to have important effects on the separation of the metals within the nanoparticles, and this in turn affected the reactivity of the materials for the investigated reaction. The results also highlight the importance of lignin extraction methods for the future of biorefining.