Nano β-Mo2C supported on ordered mesoporous carbon for Kraft lignin decomposition to aromatic monomers

In this study, ordered mesoporous carbon materials are prepared to support β-Mo 2 C catalysts for conversion of Kraft lignin into aromatic monomers. Carbon supports with different porous structures are compared to discuss the critical role of ordered mesopores. The results show a volcano evolution of aromatic monomer yields with the increase in Mo contents over β-Mo 2 C supported on ordered mesoporous carbon, and a high aromatic yield of 0.576 g/g Kraft lignin is achieved at 280 °C for 3 h for only 10% Mo mass content. Dispersion of β-Mo 2 C and confinement of ordered mesopores contribute to the highest aromatic yield per unit Mo. The highly dispersed β-Mo 2 C on the surface of ordered mesoporous carbon exhibits the advances of confined environment and accessibility of lignin fragments to active β-Mo 2 C, resulting high activity of β-Mo 2 C for Kraft lignin decomposition.