Photocatalytic Based Degradation Processes of Lignin Derivatives

Table 4

Main advantages and disadvantages, photocatalysis versus enzymatic biocatalysis.

Lignin degradation process	Advantages	Disadvantages
Photocatalysis; (single stage)	(i) Relatively fast degradation of complex as well as nonbiodegradable organic (macro)molecules; (ii) Stable catalysts; (iii) Moderate reaction conditions	(i) Not selective; (ii) Limited selection of operating conditions; (iii) Energy costs
Enzymatic conversion; (single stage)	(i) More selective; (ii) Moderate reaction conditions	(i) High enzyme loads required, otherwise lignin hydrolysis is quite slow [16]; (ii) Enzymes are less stable^1; (iii) cost-intensive (POXs)^2

For example, POXs are sensitive to high H₂O₂ concentrations.
²According to Torres and Ayala [86].