Lignin is a cheap and renewable resource with rich aromatic units. It can be efficiently transformed into highly value-added fine chemicals such as phenolic monomers and other high-grade biofuels such as arenes and alkanes through catalytic depolymerization methods

which has long been regarded as an important constituent part of biomass resources comprehensive utilization approaches. This process is able to replace the chemicals production from the fossil fuel partly. Among the lignin depolymerization methods

the catalytic hydrogenolysis process can directly convert lignin into liquid fuel with low oxygen contents

and these biofuels show a great potential in the replacement of traditional energy sources. This paper focuses on the catalytic lignin depolymerization methods. The recent progress at home and abroad is reviewed based on the catalysts

solvents

catalysis mechanism and catalyst recyclability. Wherein

the catalytic hydrogenolysis method is emphatically introduced in detail. Furthermore

the current technique challenges during the lignin catalytic depolymerization process are summarized. Many future technologic explorations and suggestions for the efficient application of lignin are proposed.