Heterogeneous Catalysis for Sustainable Energy

Abstract

AbstractThe dominance of fossil fuels in the energy sector is associated with greenhouse-gas emission and release of atmospheric pollutants. Biomass-based energy generation is considered a potential alternative for replacement of fossil fuels, and it has been used as a sustainable source of heat and power for a long time. Biomass as a feedstock can be used for the synthesis of different energy products. Catalysts play a significant role in various conversion routes and affect the yield of major products. Researchers have mainly focused on starchy feedstock, lignocellulosic biomass, and triglyceride containing biomass for bioenergy production. Catalytic reactions for biomass feedstock mainly involve deoxygenation, hydrolysis, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and oxidation etc. This review provides an overview of catalytic reactions for the conversion of different classes of biomass feedstock for biofuel production. The primary aim of this review is to summarize catalytic strategies for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added products.