Green Catalytic Oxidation and Hydrogenation Routes for Biobased Chemicals Production

Dear Colleagues,

Green catalytic oxidation and hydrogenation routes are pivotal in the sustainable production of biobased chemicals, offering environmentally benign alternatives to conventional petrochemical processes. Catalytic oxidation, including photo-oxidation,  plays a critical role in converting biomass-derived intermediates and platform molecules like furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and levulinic acid into value-added oxygenated chemicals. These oxygenated products serve as key intermediates for a variety of downstream applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and materials industries. Conversely, catalytic hydrogenation selectively reduces functional groups such as carbonyls, unsaturated bonds, and nitro groups yielding alcohols, alkanes, or other reduced compounds that are indispensable in the synthesis of fuels, solvents, and specialty chemicals.

The primary objective of this Special Issue is to highlight novel developments, innovative photo/catalytic systems, and cutting-edge methodologies that enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability of these catalytic routes. Emphasis will be placed on breakthroughs that overcome current limitations, such as catalyst stability, scalability, and integration within biorefinery frameworks, as well as on strategies that align with green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact and promote resource circularity. Contributions highlighting mechanistic insights, advanced catalyst design, process intensification, and techno-economic assessments are particularly encouraged to advance the field and support the transition towards sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Prof. Dr. Simona M. Coman
Dr. Bogdan E. Cojocaru
Guest Editors

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