Facile preparation of N-doped graphitic carbon encapsulated nickel catalysts for transfer hydrogenolysis of lignin β-O-4 model compounds to aromatics

Graphitic N-doped carbon shell encapsulated Ni nanoparticles after strong acid leaching exhibited high activity and selectivity to aromatics in the conversion of lignin β-O-4 model compounds. The C α –OH group was essential for product distributions.