Oxidative Cleavage of α‐O‐4, β‐O‐4, and 4‐O‐5 Linkages in Lignin Model Compounds Over P, N Co‐Doped Carbon Catalyst: A Metal‐Free Approach

Developing efficient metal-free catalysts for lignin valorization is essential but challenging. In this study, a cost-effective strategy is employed to synthesize a P, N co-doped carbon catalyst through hydrothermal and carbonization processes. This catalyst effectively cleaved α-O-4, β-O-4, and 4-O-5 lignin linkages, as demonstrated with model compounds. Various catalysts were prepared at different carbonization temperatures and thoroughly characterized using techniques such as XRD, RAMAN, FTIR, XPS, NH