Nanochemistry and Nanobiotechnology

A microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of lignin model compounds
Nastasiienko N.S.1, Kulik T.V.1, Laskin J.2, Palianytsia B.B.1, Larsson M.3, Kartel M.T.1
1 Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of the NAS of Ukraine.
17 General Naumov Str., 17, Kyiv 03164, Ukraine.
E-mail: nastasienkon@ukr.net
2 Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
3 Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center, Department of Physics, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.

Catalytic pyrolysis is one of the most promising methods that can be used to convert lignocellulose, and lignin in particular. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the use of microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis to obtain valuable chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. This is due to the faster heating rate, precise temperature control, high energy efficiency, and lower temperature gradient heating inherent in this method. The study of the possibility of using microwave (MW) irradiation for the controlled catalytic pyrolysis of lignin monomers in order to obtain certain chemical compounds is also of considerable interest.
In our work, we studied the effect of MW-irradiation on the decomposition of ferulic acid (FA), as a model compound of lignin, on the surface of nanoscale СеО2 using FTIR-spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry. It was found that MW-irradiation of the FA/СеО2 samples for 300 s does not lead to a change in the main mechanisms of the thermal decomposition of FA and the formation of new products. Even an insignificant MW-irradiation of FA/СеО2 for 10 s promotes the decomposition of FA complexes on the СеО2 surface. Bidentate and weakly bound complexes are more susceptible to the influence of MW-irradiation.

Acknowledgments
This publication is based on work supported by the grant FSA3-20-66700 from the U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF Global) with funding from the United States Department of State, by the Swedish Research Council (VR, 348-2014-4250) and by NAS of Ukraine (Program “New functional substances and materials of chemical production”).