Selective Conversion of Lignin Wastes into High-Value Aromatics: Catalyst Design and Process Sustainability Evaluation

/NC catalyst is used to selectively convert the lignin into guaiacols, a type of high-value aromatics, achieving a total guaiacol yield of 25% (theoretical maximum value: 26.8%) and 96% selectivity to 4-propylguaiacols. Experiments and theoretical calculation results reveal that the electronic structure and coordination microenvironment of adjacent Ru nanoparticles could be regulated via electron transfer after Zn single-atom loading, forming greatly activated Ru sites with long-term stability. The sustainability evaluation confirms that this method offers lower costs and reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional methods, highlighting the sustainability of lignin upcycling using this method. This work helps to bridge the gap between single-site catalysis and the conversion of raw lignin wastes.