Hydroconversion of Kraft lignin for biofuels production using bifunctional rhenium-molybdenum supported zeolitic imidazolate framework nanocatalyst.

Non-noble bimetallic nanoparticles anchored on Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks, bifunctional ReMo@ZNB catalyst, has been demonstrated to promote Kraft lignin depolymerization. In this study, the catalytic activities under different heat treatment conditions are ranked as follows: ReMo@ZNB-700 (Air) > ReMo@ZNB-500 (Air) > ReMo@ZNB-700 (N2). Particularly, bimetallic ReMo nanocatalyst with Re/Mo atomic ratio of 1/3 shows superior performance. Excellent yields of Ethyl acetate soluble products (92.18%) and Petroleum ether extracted biofuels (78%) are obtained at 300℃ and 24 h, and the calorific value is 32.33 MJ/kg. The ReMo@ZNB catalyst exhibits superior recyclability and regeneration after cycle experiment. Structural characterization results reveal that the incorporation of ReMo can engender the transformation of lattice morphology, the strength of hydrogenation and acid adsorption. The possible mechanism is based on the synergism of adsorption coupling and hydrogenation over ReMo@ZNB catalyst. The synergic action initiates potential perspectives for improving lignin hydroconversion.