Copper-nickel mixed oxide catalysts from layered double hydroxides for the hydrogen-transfer valorisation of lignin in organosolv pulping

Copper and nickel mixed catalysts obtained by calcination of iron aluminium hydrotalcites (layered double hydroxides, LDH) have been tested in the conversion a lignin model dimer subcritical methanol. Phase distribution textural properties were characterized X-ray diffraction Rietveld analysis N2 physisorption. The presence copper was critical for effective hydrogenation, both direct hydrogen transfer from methanol to aldehyde groups reactivity products reforming. TPR experiments showed that hydrogenation activity promoted an enhanced reducibility Cu-catalysts, related other oxide components. Characterisation after reaction indicated metallic formed reduction CuO modifications medium played major role formation active sites.