Direct liquefaction of lignin and lignin rich biomasses by heterogenic catalytic hydrogenolysis

It will be shown that lignin and lignin-rich biomass can be liquefied under conditions of direct coal liquefaction using molybdic acid and sulfidic iron catalysts. The liquid oil product can be obtained in good yields up to 60% mass fraction of the input feedstock, consisting of alkylated phenols and alkyl benzenes while removing the majority of hetero atomic functional groups. This can be achieved while producing only a minimal amount of solid residue, reaction water and a valuable gas byproduct.