Chemical valorization of cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass: A step towards sustainable development

Abstract

The potential of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass paves the path to sustainable economy. A large number of value-added products have been synthesized by the fractionation of the major components of biomass, i.e. cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on earth, serves as a starting material for the synthesis of various platform chemicals, such as sorbitol, 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF), dimethylfuran and levulinic acid. Hydrogels and aerogels fabricated from cellulose, modified cellulose or nanocellulose have proved valuable in a wide range of such as biomedical, food and technological applications. Cellulose-based polymers or bioplastics also emerged as an alternative to fossil fuel-based polymers. In this review, chemical paths to valorize plant cellulose for producing various value-added products have been discussed. The major challenge for valorization is the development of novel and green synthesis methods with simultaneous focus on an integrated approach.