Fe-modified MoS2/NC catalyst for hydrodeoxygenation of lignin into aviation fuel-range arenes

• • Fe0.3MoS/NC achieves 100% deoxygenation of 4-ethylguaiacol at 340 °C and 3 MPa H2, with 78.6% arene selectivity, outperforming MoS2/NC (83.4% deoxygenation) and enabling high-purity aromatic production for SAF blending. • • Optimal Fe/Mo molar ratio of 0.3 is critical; exceeding it inversely affects deoxygenation, indicating a narrow operational window for promoter loading. • • Real lignin conversion yields 65.5% green hydrocarbons, with C8–C16 fraction comprising 54.4% of total hydrocarbons and 63.4% aromatic content, directly meeting SAF arene concentration requirements (8–25%). • • Fe addition increases sulfur vacancy concentration and surface acidity, enhancing adsorption of oxygenates and facilitating direct deoxygenation, a mechanistic advantage over conventional Co/Ni promoters.