Selective catalytic transformation of lignocellulose into bio-based cresol using recyclable Cu0-CuFe2O4@Biochar composite catalyst

The high value transformation of renewable lignocellulose is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. This effort aims to demonstrate that bio-based cresol (an important high-value chemical) can be yielded from lignocellulosic biomass. This novel directed conversion was effectuated by coupling catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulose into aromatic intermediates and catalytic hydroxylation of aromatic intermediates into bio-based cresol. We also developed a highly active and recyclable magnetic catalyst (Cu 0 -CuFe 2 O 4 @Biochar(HTR)), confirming that introducing Cu 0 into the copper-iron composite metal oxide catalyst promotes hydroxyl radicals formation and the synthesis of bio-based cresol. The Cu 0 -CuFe 2 O 4 @Biochar(HTR) catalyst exhibited high cresol selectivity (81.1 %) and high cresol yield (54.3 %) in catalytic hydroxylation of aromatic intermediates into bio-based cresol. Based on catalyst characterizations and hydroxyl radicals analysis, the presumable reaction mechanism related to the bio-based cresol synthesis was proposed. Potentially, this strategy may provide a beneficial pathway for developing high-value bio-based chemical (cresol) using renewable lignocellulosic biomass.