Multisite photocatalytic depolymerization of lignin model compound utilizing full-spectrum light over magnetic microspheres

Abstract

Summary: Photocatalytic depolymerization is a high value-added approach for utilization of lignin. In this study, magnetic microspheres of FeCoRu@SiO2–TiO2 were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. Doping with CoOx and RuOx was used to improve the response to visible light, and doping with TiO2 was used to improve the response to ultraviolet light (λ 90%. The electron paramagnetic resonance results showed that the reaction occurred in two steps (aerobic phase and oxygen-free phase). Most of the O2− was produced in the first step by cleavage of C-O bonds. The second step was inhibited in an oxygen-free atmosphere. This research provides a valid method for enhancing the photocatalytic properties using full-spectrum light and exploring the lignin photocatalytic depolymerization mechanism. Further research is required to develop the catalyst properties and performance to produce radicals.

Keywords

• Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Biomass
• Engineering