Catalytic Biorefining of Plant Biomass to Non-Pyrolytic Lignin Bio-Oil and Carbohydrates through Hydrogen Transfer Reactions

Through catalytic hydrogen transfer reactions, a new biorefining method results in the isolation of depolymerized lignin—a non-pyrolytic lignin bio-oil—in addition to pulps that are amenable to enzymatic hydrolysis. Compared with organosolv lignin, the lignin bio-oil is highly susceptible to further hydrodeoxygenation under low-severity conditions and therefore establishes a unique platform for lignin valorization by heterogeneous catalysis. Overall, the potential of a catalytic biorefining method designed from the perspective of lignin utilization is reported.