Back to the Future: Advances in Porous and Nanoscale Catalysts for Biomass Conversion to Value-Added Products

Dear Colleagues,

Balancing energy production with reducing carbon emissions is a critical challenge. Biomass, including second-generation biomass (BM), holds great potential for producing green fuels and petrochemical inputs. Through photosynthesis, BM can be generated in sufficient quantities to support modern societies, making it a sustainable and abundant resource. However, BM’s complex composition, low density, and reactive functional groups pose challenges, such as parallel reactions and undesirable byproducts during conversion processes.

To address these issues, advancements in catalytic materials and processes are vital. Innovations in porous zeolites, active site design, and multifunctional catalysts are essential for enhancing the yield and selectivity of target products while minimizing waste. Additionally, new thermal and catalytic processes can improve bio-feedstock quality, increasing the efficiency and value of subsequent transformations.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions on cutting-edge research in catalytic materials and processes that improve BM conversion into platform chemicals, fuels, and high-value products. By overcoming these challenges, we aim to advance technologies that bridge the gap between biomass resources and sustainable chemical production. These developments will not only expand the potential of BM but also contribute to environmental sustainability and meet the growing needs of modern society.

Dr. Benoît Louis
Prof. Dr. Weiming Hua
Dr. Marcelo Maciel Pereira
Guest Editors

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