Co-Pd alloy nanoparticles supported on activated carbon for High-efficiency production of vanillin from 4-methylguaiacol

Abstract

Producing vanillin from lignin model compounds in an elegant and efficient manner is a focus of chemical utilization in lignocellulosic biomass. The facile synthesis of a cobalt-palladium bimetallic alloy anchored on activated carbon (Co-Pd/C), which excels in the selective oxidation of the lignin model compound 4-methylguaiacol to vanillin, is reported here. The characterization results of Co-Pd/C indicate that the catalysts enhance the catalytic efficiency by forming a cobalt-palladium alloy to modulate the number of d-band cavities and influence the O2 adsorption. Meanwhile, the synergistic effect between the alloys causes the Co-Pd/C catalyst exhibits good activity and stability in cycling experiments. A series of controlled experiments offer insight into the mechanism of catalytic generation of vanillin from 4-methylguaiacol. This work opens a new opportunity for achieving the valuable aromatic products from lignin.