Ruthenium catalysts supported on activated carbon from corncob waste for selective hydrogenolysis of C–O bonds in lignin-derived aromatic compounds

Selective hydrogenolysis of C–O bonds in lignin is regarded as an important process to produce high value-added chemicals and biofuels. Herein, high-performance Ru-based catalysts (Ru/AC) supported on activated carbon (AC) derived from corncob waste were prepared by a simple impregnation method. The optimal 5%Ru/AC possessed enormous specific surface area, well-developed porosity, high metal dispersion, small Ru particle size and strong metal-support interaction, showing a marvelous catalytic performance in the hydrogenolysis of diphenyl ether, benzyl phenyl ether and phenylethyl phenyl ether with different kinds of C–O bonds under mild conditions. Besides, various phenolic compounds were selectively hydrogenated into cycloalkanols and cycloalkanes over 5%Ru/AC, indicating the excellent catalytic activity in aromatic ring hydrogenation of this catalyst. In addition, high conversion of diphenyl ether and high selectivity of monomeric products were well maintained after employing this catalyst at least three times. The construction and application of the ingenious 5%Ru/AC catalyst highlighted a promising approach to the value-added utilization of lignin-derived aromatic compounds.