Harnessing zeolite catalyst for the cleavage of targeted chemical bonds in lignin

The excessive consumption of fossil resources necessitates the development of biomass-refining processes to meet society’s energy and chemical demands. Lignin, in lignocellulose, is the only source of aromatic hydrocarbons in nature. However, because of its complex structure, the selective conversion of lignin into high-value chemicals remains a long-standing challenge. With high surface area and shape-selective properties, zeolites are porous materials that can incorporate different metals to generate acid-base or redox capabilities. Additionally, the porous structure of zeolites limits undesired reactions such as lignin condensation, making them increasingly relevant in lignin depolymerization. This review summarizes and provides insights into the catalytic conversion of lignin and its derivatives using zeolite catalysts, focusing on the selective cleavage of chemical bonds, including C–O and C–C bonds. Moreover, based on the existing challenges, the opportunities and challenges for the catalytic transformation of lignin using zeolites and proposed future research directions are discussed.