Microwave-assisted catalytic hydrogenolysis of coal-based aromatic ethers over Pt/CB catalyst with H4SiW12O40

The hydrogenolysis is one of the most promising approaches for the depolymerization and non-fuel utilization of coal into value-added chemicals. In this study, a new and effective method for the hydrogenolysis of C-O bonds in coal-derived compounds by microwave-assisted catalysis over the Pt/CB catalyst with H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀ has been developed. This synergistic catalyst system, coupled with a high-permittivity polar solvent (1,4-butyrolactone), enhances the microwave-assisted hydrogenolysis of the C-O bonds in the coal-derived platform molecule (benzyl phenyl ether). Following optimization of the reaction conditions under 300 W for 10 min, the Pt/CB catalyst with H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀ presents a highly efficient with benzyl phenyl ether conversion of 99.9 %. The findings from isotope tracing elucidate that microwave enhancement promotes hydrogen spillover and the protonation of C-O bonds in benzyl phenyl ether. Through free radical reactions, the hydrogenolysis of C-O bonds is markedly accelerated, culminating in the synthesis of benzene and phenol. In addition, this microwave-assisted catalytic strategy is applied to the hydrogenolysis of other coal-based aromatic ethers and Naomaohu coal, possible providing new opportunities for producing value-added aromatics from coal.