A new study explores the innovative use of nickel-based metal-organic frameworks (Ni-MOFs) and lignin-derived biochar to enhance green chemistry approaches for producing valuable chemicals. Lignin, a naturally abundant biopolymer, was combined with Ni-MOFs to create catalysts capable of transforming vanillin—a lignin-derived compound—into 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (MMP), a high-value chemical used in various industries.

The researchers investigated four types of lignin: enzymatic hydrolysis lignin, alkaline lignin, kraft lignin, and sodium lignosulfonate. These materials were used to develop Ni@BTC@X catalysts via a hydrothermal process. Among the catalysts, Ni@BTC@LS, made with sodium lignosulfonate, demonstrated superior efficiency, achieving nearly 100% conversion of vanillin and a 90% yield of MMP under optimized conditions (220°C, 4 hours, isopropanol solvent, and 2 MPa nitrogen pressure).

The study highlights the role of lignin biochar’s porous structure and functional groups in enhancing the catalyst’s activity. Synergistic effects between the Ni active sites, oxygen vacancies, and acidic sites on the catalysts further improved reaction efficiency. This innovative method leverages renewable biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More and tunable MOFs, aligning with principles of sustainability and green chemistry.

This approach presents a promising avenue for sustainable chemical production while valorizing lignin, a byproduct of paper and biofuel industries. The findings pave the way for broader applications in catalytic processes, contributing to eco-friendly material innovation.