Lignin valorization is receiving increasing attention. We request 7 days on TOSCA to carry out inelastic neutron scattering (INS) study of two key chemical processes in lignin upgrading: (i) the hydrolysis of 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-phenylethanol (lignin model compound 1 with -O-4 linkage) over an acidic NbOPO4Hx catalyst and (ii) the hydrocracking of biphenyl (lignin model compound 2 with 5-5 linkage) over Ru-loaded NbOPO4Hx catalyst. The proposed study will investigate the vibrational spectroscopy of the catalysts and their interaction with the corresponding guest molecules upon binding to the surface. In particular, this study aims to reveal the scientific origin of the high activity of NbOPO4Hx in the hydrolysis of 1 (1) and Ru/NbOPO4Hx in the cracking of 2 (2), leading to improved lignin valorization with significant potential market value.