Replication Data for MgO-based catalysts for selective delignification of lignocellulosic waste and carboxylic acids production under mild hydrothermal conditions

However, its complex structure, and particularly the presence of lignin, presents a significant challenge for its conversion into valuable products. This study explores the catalytic performance of magnesium oxide (MgO) based materials for the selective delignification of lignocellulosic waste and concomitant carboxylic acids production.

Different MgO samples have been synthesized through various synthetical methods with the purpose of promoting the selective delignification of a lignocellulose waste while minimizing the degradation of other polymers (cellulose and hemicellulose). The resultant lignin-free holocellulose solid after selective depolymerization might be used in subsequent fermentation processes. The catalytic results demonstrated that MgO synthesized by a sol-gel method exhibited the highest catalytic activity, achieving ca. 90% lignin conversion with minimal degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose and outstanding production of carboxylic acids (ca. 30 % of the carbon of the degraded polymers was converted into carboxylic acids).