Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Bifunctional Pd-Al:SrTiO<sub>3</sub> photocatalyst sheet for m<sup>2</sup>-scale waste PET photoreforming and feasibility study.

Energy & environmental science·2026
Same author

A Robust Carbon Overlayer as Hydrogen Spillover Highway and CO-Binding Barrier Enhances Reverse Water-Gas Shift.

Journal of the American Chemical Society·2026
Same author

Introduction to Semi-artificial Photosynthesis.

Chemical reviews·2026
Same author

Integrative omics elucidates the hepatopancreatic protective effects of Origanum vulgare-derived phenolic compounds via lipid remodeling and detoxification enhancement in Procambarus clarkii.

Scientific reports·2026
Same author

Photoreforming of solid waste on 1 m<sup>2</sup> scale using single-source precursor-derived co-catalyst films.

Nature chemical engineering·2026
Same author

Pharmacological ZO-1 agonist treatment attenuates ammonia nitrogen stress-induced mucosal inflammation and intestinal barrier failure in <i>Leiocassis longirostris</i>.

Frontiers in immunology·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications
09:22

Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications

Published on: July 25, 2025

643

Solar Lignin Reforming with Tunable Selectivity Using a Hybrid Photocatalyst in Aqueous Solution.

Lu Chen1, Yongpeng Liu1, Sampurna Mitra1

  • 1Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|November 14, 2025
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a novel ZnIn2S4 photocatalytic system for lignin valorization, achieving selective conversion into valuable chemicals like hydrogen and syngas using solar energy. The system demonstrates robustness and enhanced performance under real sunlight conditions.

More Related Videos

Developing Photosensitizer-Cobaloxime Hybrids for Solar-Driven H2 Production in Aqueous Aerobic Conditions
10:21

Developing Photosensitizer-Cobaloxime Hybrids for Solar-Driven H2 Production in Aqueous Aerobic Conditions

Published on: October 5, 2019

8.9K
CO2 Photoreduction to CH4 Performance Under Concentrating Solar Light
07:08

CO2 Photoreduction to CH4 Performance Under Concentrating Solar Light

Published on: June 12, 2019

7.3K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications
09:22

Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications

Published on: July 25, 2025

643
Developing Photosensitizer-Cobaloxime Hybrids for Solar-Driven H2 Production in Aqueous Aerobic Conditions
10:21

Developing Photosensitizer-Cobaloxime Hybrids for Solar-Driven H2 Production in Aqueous Aerobic Conditions

Published on: October 5, 2019

8.9K
CO2 Photoreduction to CH4 Performance Under Concentrating Solar Light
07:08

CO2 Photoreduction to CH4 Performance Under Concentrating Solar Light

Published on: June 12, 2019

7.3K

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Photocatalysis
  • Green Chemistry

Background:

  • Lignin valorization is crucial for sustainable chemical production, but current methods lack selectivity and scalability in aqueous solutions.
  • Developing efficient photocatalytic systems for converting lignin into valuable chemicals under solar irradiation remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a selective and scalable photocatalytic system for lignin valorization using concentrated solar irradiation.
  • To investigate the role of cocatalysts in controlling product selectivity during solar-driven lignin conversion.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) based photocatalytic system integrated with phosphonated molecular nickel cocatalysts (NiP, NitpyP) and formate dehydrogenase (FDH).
  • Employed concentrated solar irradiation (up to 5 suns) and CO2-saturated aqueous solutions for lignin model compound and polymeric lignin conversion.
  • Conducted outdoor testing under real sunlight for two days to assess system robustness and performance.

Main Results:

  • The ZIS|NiP system selectively converted a lignin model compound to H2 and 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanone with a turnover number (TONH2) up to 120 molH2 molNiP−1.
  • Integration of NitpyP produced syngas (H2/CO) with TONsyngas = 48, while FDH immobilization yielded formate with TONformate = 2200.
  • The hybrid photocatalyst showed activity for polymeric lignin conversion (TONH2 = 18 for organosolv lignin) and demonstrated robustness under real sunlight, with solar heating enhancing performance.

Conclusions:

  • Photocatalyst tuning offers a viable strategy for controlling product selectivity in solar lignin reforming.
  • The developed ZIS-based system exhibits potential for sustainable production of chemicals from lignin under solar irradiation.
  • The findings can be extended to other photocatalytic applications requiring precise control over reaction pathways.