Catalytic Conversion of Biomass: From Fundamental Research to Industrial Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The transition from fossil-based resources to renewable alternatives stands as one of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of our time. The catalytic conversion of biomass offers a sustainable pathway to produce value-added chemicals, fuels, and materials, thereby contributing to the establishment of a circular bioeconomy. Unlike conventional petrochemical processes, biomass conversion often operates under milder conditions, with the potential for higher selectivity and a reduced environmental impact. To enhance process efficiency and economic viability, advanced catalytic systems must be designed to address the complex and heterogeneous nature of biomass feedstocks.

Catalytic biomass conversion finds applications beyond the production of biofuels and biochemicals. It plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture (e.g., fertilizer production from waste), environmental remediation (e.g., catalytic degradation of lignocellulosic pollutants), advanced material synthesis (e.g., carbon-based catalysts from biomass), and even in emerging fields such as bio-electrocatalysis and photosynthetic fuel production. The integration of biomass conversion with other renewable energy systems (solar, wind, etc.) further enhances its sustainability profile.

The performance of a biomass conversion catalyst is determined by multiple factors including active site design, support morphology, porosity, surface functionality, and stability under reaction conditions. Ideal catalyst systems should exhibit high activity for specific bond cleavage (C–O, C–C, etc.) and formation, resistance to poisoning by biomass impurities (e.g., proteins, minerals, etc.), hydrothermal stability, and efficient mass transfer properties. Catalyst supports range from traditional materials (zeolites, metal oxides, and activated carbon) to advanced nanostructures (MOFs, COFs, carbon nanotubes, and graphene derivatives) and hybrid organic-inorganic composites. The emergence of single-atom catalysts and enzyme-mimetic materials has opened up new frontiers in biomass valorization.

Catalytic strategies for biomass conversion encompass heterogeneous, homogeneous, and enzymatic approaches, as well as their synergistic combinations. Key technologies include hydrolysis, dehydration, oxidation, hydrogenation, reforming, condensation, and cascade reactions. Process intensification through microwave-, ultrasound-, or plasma-assisted catalysis, along with continuous-flow systems, significantly enhances reaction rates and selectivity. Advanced characterization techniques (in situ/operando spectroscopy, high-resolution microscopy, and computational modeling) provide fundamental insights into reaction mechanisms and catalyst behavior under working conditions.

Dr. Fei Chen
Dr. Qiaoyun Liu
Guest Editors

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