The efficient and directional electrocatalytic depolymerization of α-O-4 bond in lignin by auxiliary electrolyte

Abstract

This study examines the use of tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TBABF4) as a catalyst for the depolymerization of lignin and its model compound without the addition of oxidants. The impact of electrolytes, reaction times, and solvents on the cleavage of the α-O-4 bond in lignin is investigated. The experimental setup includes specific conditions such as the use of carbon cloth (CC) as the counter electrode and a platinum plate as the working electrode. The TBABF4 catalyst effectively cleaved the α-O-4 bond in the lignin model molecule with notable selectivity and minimal formation of by-products, resulting in a substantial conversion rate of benzyl phenyl ether (95.7 %) and a high yield of benzaldehyde dimethyl aceta (92.4 %) under specific conditions. This investigation showcases a mild electrochemical catalytic depolymerization approach for lignin model molecules at ambient temperature, thereby presenting novel avenues for further exploration in the field.