Graphenes as Metal-free Catalysts for the Oxidative Depolymerization of Lignin Models

Graphene oxide promotes the oxidative degradation of -guaiacylglycerol--guaiacyl ether, a lignin model compound, in different solvents including acetonitrile, toluene and water mainly to guaiacol, 2-methoxyquinone, vanillic acid and coniferyl aldehyde. Reduced graphene oxide and B-doped graphene exhibit similar activity as graphene oxide. Control experiments indicate that metal impurities should play a marginal role in the observed catalytic activity.