Hybridization of CuO with BiVO4 as an Efficient and Stable Photocatalyst for Selective Cleavage of Lignin C–C Bonds

The solar-driven transformation of lignin into aromatic compounds is a promising approach for biomass utilization. However, selective cleavage of lignin C–C bonds on the solid catalyst surface under suitable conditions is a difficult task. Here, a CuO/BiVO4 hybrid was reported for the selective oxidation of C–C bonds under simulated sunlight at room temperature. The synergistic effect of CuO and BiVO4 benefited charge dynamics and transfer from the photoexcitation sites to the active centers. The model substrate representing lignin β-O-4 linkages was converted into aromatic compounds with 86.5% C–C cleavage selectivity, and the aromatic compounds were produced with a yield reaching 665.03 μmol gcat–1·h–1. Mechanistic studies showed that Cα–Cβ bonds were efficiently cleaved mainly through hydrogen abstraction from the β-carbon by photogenerated holes and the generation of •O2– from adsorbed O2 by photoexcited electrons. The result provided new views into the development of more efficient photocatalysts for the cleavage of lignin C–C bonds through interfacial engineering.