Experimental and Kinetic Modeling Study on the Catalytic Hydroconversion of Lignin

SSCI-VIDE+ECI2D+JPU:DLA:CGENational audienceIn order to find a catalytic way to valorize lignin coming either from pulp industry or biorefineries, we propose here the catalytic hydroconversion as a mean to depolymerize lignin and produce aromatic compounds. The reaction takes place in tetralin, a H-donor solvent, which allows to avoid condensation reactions between the radical fragments and also improve hydrogen diffusion into the liquid phase where the catalytic process occurs. A new upgraded batch reactor is used, opened for gas phase with a continuous feeding of H2, a condensing system followed by cooled traps to remove continuously light products, and water from the reacting mixture and recycle the solvent. The advanced reaction system has been demonstrated to be powerful compared to a traditional batch system previously used3,4, as the hydrogen is fed during the whole process and water and light products are separated avoiding long contact of catalyst with water and over-conversion of lights to gas. We presents the evolution of the conversion and selectivities for a CoMoS/Al2O3 catalysts versus residence time and a reaction scheme