Development of heterogeneous catalysts for transformation of biomass-derived platform molecules into value-added chemicals and fuel components

Abstract

With the depletion of fossil-based resources and the growing energy demands of the increasing global population, there is a need to explore alternative renewable and sustainable resources for the production of chemicals, fuels, and energy.[1-3] The prevailing industrial pathways for synthesizing fuels and chemicals heavily rely on petroleum and other fossil resources, resulting in a significant increase of atmospheric CO2 which is a major contributor of greenhouse gases and thus increasing global warming. Substituting these conventional petroleum-derived fuels and specialty chemicals with renewable alternatives can serve as an effective strategy to reduce CO2 emissions.[4-5] While solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and hydropower are all renewable energy sources, biomass stands out as the primary accessible renewable source of carbon crucial for the production of fuels and chemicals (Figure 1.1).[6] Moreover, it does not compete with food feedstocks and would otherwise be considered waste. Additionally, the CO2 generated from the utilization of biomass or fuels derived from biomass can be utilized by plants during photosynthesis, completing the carbon cycle and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.