Heterogeneous catalytic conversion of lignocellulose: towards green and renewable chemicals

Abstract

The world's nations are searching for renewable and sustainable energy and fuels due to restrictions on carbon discharges and fossil feedstock shortage. Biomass is a renewable and sustainable resource; and its conversion is one of the research hotspot areas. This review aims to summarize the evidence gained from different methods of converting lignocellulose materials using heterogeneous catalysts. The review summarizes heterogeneous catalysts like carbon-based sulfonated acids, polymeric acids, metal oxides, and solid and magnetic nature acids, including methods to improve functionality and recyclability. The paper also discusses the approaches for enhancing the efficiency of reactions between heterogeneous catalysts and lignocellulose substrates, like ball-milling, microwave irradiation, solid acid interaction, the effect of hydrogen bonding, and CH–pi (π) bond interaction techniques.