Catalytic conversion of kraft lignin using paper-like Co(salen) as an effective catalyst

Co(salen) powders were homogeneously scattered over a ceramic fibre network to give a catalyst paper and the Co(salen) paper was tested for the oxidative degradation of a kraft lignin using H2O2 as an oxidant. Due to the structural effect of the interconnected 3D-network, the catalyst paper exhibited a higher performance in the oxidation of kraft lignin with a oil yield of 23.27 % than the original Co(salen) powder with an oil yield of 10.63 %, along with excellent recycling performance. 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol (2.32 mg/kg kraft lignin), vanillin (3.80 mg/kg kraft lignin), and syringaldehyde (2.63 mg/kg kraft lignin) were found to be the main products in the oil obtained. In addition, the structural changes in the kraft lignin were also studied during the process. The phenolic compounds were formed through side chain oxidation together with the oxidative cleavage of β-O-4 linkage.