Lignin-Based Nanoparticles Stabilized Pickering Emulsion for Enhanced Catalytic Hydrogenation

The development of green and easily regulated amphiphilic particles is crucial for advancing Pickering emulsion catalysis. In this study, lignin particles modified via sulfobutylation were employed as solid emulsifiers to support Pd nanoparticles (NPs), thereby enhancing the catalytic efficiency of biphasic reactions. Sulfobutylation of lignin effectively adjusted the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance, resulting in controlled emulsion types and droplet sizes. Pd NPs were loaded onto lignin with a 50% sulfobutylation ratio through the in situ reduction of active functional groups, further stabilized by the cross-linked network structure of lignin. In the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene, the Lig-50S-0.6Pd catalyst exhibited superior activity compared to traditional Pd/C catalysts, which is attributed to the high retention of active sites and increased interfacial area. This work underscores the potential for designing lignin-based amphiphilic particles and developing Pickering emulsion-enhanced reactions.