Catalytic Oxidation of Lignin to Vanillin using metal oxides

School of Chemistry (50:50) Catalysis and Computational Chemistry. Since the 1950s, the aerobic oxidation of sodium lignosulfonate has been used to produce industrial vanillin from lignin. The rise in energy demand and pollution from fossil fuel use has driven the search for eco-friendly alternatives. Lignin, a cross-linked phenolic polymer produced by the pulp and paper industries, is particularly interesting. Lignin conversion is normally done in a liquid at high temperatures and pressure. Hydrothermal temperatures cause deactivation of solid catalyst active sites, resulting in poor catalytic activity, selectivity, and yield. Selective lignin conversion requires active site optimization to prevent undesired cleavage and re-condensation, minimise oxygen consumption, and promote waste minimization for effective lignin oxidation to vanillin.