Directional synthesis of aromatics and cycloalkanes in aviation kerosene from lignin over transition metal sulfides

<p indent="0mm">The continuous demand growth of commercial aviation fuel and the global low-carbon revolution have driven the development of sustainable aviation fuels an urgent task. Lignin, featuring rich aromatic units and high energy density, has the potential to replace fossil feedstocks for aviation fuel production. Converting lignin into cycloalkane and aromatic components in jet fuel through hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) can enhance the quality of sustainable aviation fuel. Transition metal sulfides (TMS) are considered ideal catalysts for the upgrading and refining of industrial lignin and lignin oil thanks to their excellent sulfur tolerance and HDO activity. However, challenges such as sulfur loss, product contamination, water poisoning, and poor stability at high temperature limit their scalability and application prospects. To address these critical issues, this paper summarizes recent advances in the catalytic conversion of lignin into jet fuel cycloalkanes and aromatics using transition metal sulfides. Particular emphasis is focused on newest strategies, such as metal doping, edge engineering, basal plane engineering, and carrier synergy, for regulating the catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability of TMS in HDO of aromatic monomers, lignin model compounds and lignin oil, thereby enhancing the catalysts’ low-temperature activity, sulfur and water resistance, and high-temperature stability. Finally, future trend, challenges and potential solutions from lignin to sustainable aviation fuel are discussed.