catalysts Review Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenolysis Reactions for Lignin Valorization to Fuels and Chemicals Antigoni Margellou 1 and Konstantinos S. Triantafyllidis 1,2,* 1 Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
[email protected] 2 Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece * Correspondence:
[email protected] Received: 31 October 2018; Accepted: 10 December 2018; Published: 4 January 2019 Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable source of chemicals and fuels. Lignin, one of biomass main structural components being widely available as by-product in the pulp and paper industry and in the process of second generation bioethanol, can provide phenolic and aromatic compounds that can be utilized for the manufacture of a wide variety of polymers, fuels, and other high added value products. The effective depolymerisation of lignin into its primary building blocks remains a challenge with regard to conversion degree and monomers selectivity and stability. This review article focuses on the state of the art in the liquid phase reductive depolymerisation of lignin under relatively mild conditions via catalytic hydrogenolysis/hydrogenation reactions, discussing the effect of lignin type/origin, hydrogen donor solvents, and related transfer hydrogenation or reforming pathways, catalysts, and reaction conditions. Keywords: lignin; catalytic transfer hydrogenation; hydrogenolysis; liquid phase reductive depolymerization; hydrogen donors; phenolic and aromatic compounds 1. Introduction The projected depletion of fossil fuels and the deterioration of environment by their intensive use has fostered research and development efforts towards utilization of alternative sources of energy. Biomass from non-edible crops and agriculture/forestry wastes or by-products is considered as a promising feedstock for the replacement of petroleum, coal, and natural gas in the production of chemicals and fuels.