Nanocatalysis for renewable aromatics

Abstract

Chemocatalytic transformation of biomass feedstock, especially the non-food, inexpensive, and abundant terrestrial lignocellulose into fuels and chemicals, has multifaceted benefits, including the development of a sustainable economy and a cleaner environment. Aromatic compounds have a ubiquitous presence in the chemical industry. They must be accessed from biomass to supplant the same from fossilized resources. Several pathways have been developed to convert the major biomass components into aromatic hydrocarbons and functionalized aromatic compounds by catalytic methods. In this regard, heterogeneous nanocatalysts (NCs) have received particular attention since they have many superior properties, such as better selectivity, faster kinetics, and the requirement of lower loading due to higher activity, compared to the traditional heterogeneous catalysts of the micrometer scale. Polymeric carbohydrates like cellulose can be converted into furanic compounds first, which were then converted to benzene derivatives. The lignin fraction can be deconstructed into phenolics or further reduced into mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Direct conversion of biomass into bio-oil containing aromatics is an alternative option. This chapter attempts to divulge the major pathways available to convert various biomass components into aromatic compounds emphasizing on the use of NCs for the chemical transformations. The accomplishments made to date and the challenges ahead are also emphasized. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.