Microwave-assisted catalytic depolymerization of lignin from birch sawdust to produce phenolic monomers utilizing a hydrogen-free strategy

[Display omitted] •Hydrogen-free depolymerization of lignin with microwave heating was reported.•65 wt% yield of phenolic monomers could be obtained based on 43.8 wt% of delignification.•In-situ hydrogen from the decomposition of methanol promoted hydrogenolysis of lignin.•The chemoselectivity of phenolic monomers was tuned by varying catalysts and solvents. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignin to obtain value-added phenolic chemicals is a sustainable and cost-effective strategy for the efficient valorization of biomass derived wastes. Herein, an innovative approach by using a single-step microwave assisted depolymerization of lignin from birch sawdust without external hydrogen in the mixture of water-alcohol (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol) co-solvents over commercial catalysts (Pd/C, Pt/C, Ru/C) was investigated. A 65 wt% yield of phenolic monomers was obtained based on 43.8 wt% of delignification (190 °C, 3 h). The solid residues retained 92.0 wt% of cellulose and 57.3 wt% of hemicellulose, which could be further used for fermentation or in the pulp industry. Analysis of the lignin oil revealed that in-situ hydrogen generated from methanol decomposition promoted the hydrogenolysis of βO4 ether linkage and selective hydrogenation of unsaturated side-chains of phenolic monomers. This work introduces new perspectives for the efficient and cost-effective production of value-added phenolic compounds from lignin in agro-industrial wastes without external hydrogen assisted by microwave heating.