Solvolysis of Lignosulfonate Catalyzed by Supported NiMo

Lignin is the most abundant aromatic compound on Earth. Lignin is mostly burned as a low quality fuel in pulp mills and biorefineries. Lignosulfonate is a byproduct from sulfite pulping, mainly produced by the company Borregaard [1]. Extraction of higher value products from lignosulfonate is of interest, which is rarely addressed in literature.

Amongst different methods, solvothermal conversion assisted by a heterogeneous catalyst is a promising method for conversion of lignin. However, the sulfur in the structure of lignosulfonate deactivates most of the heterogeneous catalysts by sulfur deposition. Conversion of lignosulfonate to liquefied products using sulfur tolerant hydrotreating catalysts is investigated in this work.