Sustainable Porous Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Conversion of Biomass into Renewable Energy Products

Abstract

Bioenergy possesses the potential to alleviate our energy demands while maintaining renewability and carbon neutrality. The utilization of abundant biomass sources for bioenergy production presents a significant challenge. When considering chemical processes for conversion, the development of effective catalysts becomes imperative as they play a pivotal role in biomass-to-bioenergy/biofuel conversion. In such scenarios, heterogeneous nanoporous materials emerge as crucial components for facilitating catalytic conversion. This perspective provides a comprehensive summary of biomass, including its classification, valorization processes and applications along with recent advancements in various catalytic systems utilized for transforming biomass and its intermediates into renewable energy products. We delved into the diverse classes of heterogeneous catalysts, including metal-based, metal oxide-based, silica based, hybrid catalysts, and organic polymers, highlighting their unique structural and compositional features that influence catalytic activity and selectivity. Furthermore, we discussed the importance of pore structure, surface area, and active site accessibility in enhancing catalytic performance. By examining the advantages and limitations of different catalysts, we provide insights into the rational design and optimization of porous heterogeneous catalysts for efficient and sustainable bioenergy conversion. This perspective serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in the field of renewable energy, seeking to develop innovative catalyst materials for biomass valorization.