Energy Upgrading of Bio-oil Model Compound via Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation

Lignin model monomer: 2-methoxyphenol undergoes electrocatalytic aqueous phase hydrogenation to cyclohexanol over Raney-Nickel electrodes. Aryl ether bond cleavage is followed by aromatic reduction at ambient pressure and 80 °C. The use of ECH bypasses the challenges of classical hydrotreatment, and may lead to carbon-retentive displacement of fossil petroleum by renewables.