Catalytic Activity and Surface Modification of MoO3 during the Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Model Compounds

MoO₃ is an effective catalyst for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin-derived oxygenates to produce  aromatic hydrocarbons without ring saturation under low H₂ pressures (≤1 bar) and temperatures ranging from 593 to 623 K. Characterization studies reveal that the catalyst surface undergoes partial carburization as evidenced by the presence of oxycarbohydride phase.