Catalytic hydroconversion of lignin-based aromatics to aviation fuels—a review

The increasing need for biomass utilization stems from the dwindling supply of non-renewable fossil fuels. Lignin, the second-most prevalent source of organic carbon, presently has limited applications. It is a by-product of industries such as paper and pulp, sugar, and bio-ethanol. Various research groups are actively engaged in enhancing the value of lignin. Catalytic hydroconversion, specifically hydrodeoxygenation and hydrogenation of lignin, has garnered significant attention, playing a pivotal role in biorefinery development. The hydroconversion of alkylated aromatics (including alkylphenols, alkylated benzenes, alkylated anisoles, and alkylated methoxyphenols) yields aviation biofuels. This process holds promise for sustainable aviation fuel production. The effect of diverse reaction parameters, such as the nature of metal catalysts, co-metals, catalytic support, reaction temperature, and H₂ pressure, was explored in the context of lignin hydroconversion to achieve optimal selectivity for cycloalkane aviation fuels.