Catalytic Conversion of Carbohydrates into Platform Chemicals
A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomass Catalysis".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 46
Special Issue Editors
Interests: catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass for fuels; chemicals and materials; catalytic conversion of cellulose, starch or sugars into chemicals and materials; catalytic conversion of glycerol; green chemistry and engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; metal catalysts; surface modification; catalytic hydrogenation; biomass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The catalytic conversion of carbohydrates into platform chemicals is a cornerstone of sustainable chemistry, driven by the urgent need to transition from fossil-based resources to renewable alternatives. With growing concerns over climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the valorization of diverse biomass-derived carbohydrates—including C5/C6 sugars (e.g., glucose, xylose), terrestrial polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin), marine biomass (alginate, carrageenan), and chitin-rich wastes—into high-value chemicals has gained global momentum. These platform molecules, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, levulinic acid, sorbitol, lactic acid, and nitrogen-containing derivatives from chitin, serve as critical intermediates for producing biofuels, biodegradable polymers, pharmaceuticals, and other functional materials, aligning with global carbon neutrality goals.
This Special Issue, Catalytic Conversion of Carbohydrates into Platform Chemicals, seeks to highlight cutting-edge advancements in catalytic technologies that enable efficient, selective, and scalable transformation processes. We invite contributions on novel catalysts (heterogeneous, homogeneous, or enzymatic), innovative reactor designs, in-depth mechanistic studies, and processes for valorizing underutilized carbohydrate sources (e.g., pectin, marine polysaccharides, chitin). Submissions addressing techno-economic feasibility, life-cycle assessments, or strategies to overcome challenges in selectivity, stability, and energy efficiency are particularly encouraged. By bridging fundamental research and industrial applications, this issue aims to accelerate the development of circular bioeconomies and inspire interdisciplinary collaborations for a greener future.
Prof. Dr. Charles Xu
Dr. Dan Wu
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- carbohydrate conversion
- biomass valorization
- catalytic conversion
- platform chemicals
- 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)
- furfural
- sustainable biorefining
- carbon neutrality
- heterogeneous catalysis
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