A Comprehensive Review on Zeolite Chemistry for Catalytic Conversion of Biomass/Waste into Green Fuels

Abstract

Numerous attempts have been made to produce new materials and technology for renewable energy and environmental improvements in response to global sustainable solutions stemming from fast industrial expansion and population growth. Zeolites are a group of crystalline materials having molecularly ordered micropore arrangements. Over the past few years, progress in zeolites has been observed in transforming biomass and waste into fuels. To ensure effective transition of fossil energy carriers into chemicals and fuels, zeolite catalysts play a key role; however, their function in biomass usage is more obscure. Herein, the effectiveness of zeolites has been discussed in the context of biomass transformation into valuable products. Established zeolites emphasise conversion of lignocellulosic materials into green fuels. Lewis acidic zeolites employ transition of carbohydrates into significant chemical production. Zeolites utilise several procedures, such as catalytic pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and hydro-pyrolysis, to convert biomass and lignocelluloses. Zeolites exhibit distinctive features and encounter significant obstacles, such as mesoporosity, pore interconnectivity, and stability of zeolites in the liquid phase. In order to complete these transformations successfully, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the chemistry of zeolites. Hence, further examination of the technical difficulties associated with catalytic transformation in zeolites will be required. This review article highlights the reaction pathways for biomass conversion using zeolites, their challenges, and their potential utilisation. Future recommendations for zeolite-based biomass conversion are also presented.

CO2 to dimethyl ether (DME): structural and functional insights of hybrid catalysts

“…74 Internal pores, window-shaped pores, and steric hindrances are also major characteristics that determine the extent of coking when performing catalytic reactions. 75 Now, with the help of theoretical chemistry, we can predict the framework, reactivity as well as molecular diffusion.…”

Review of Methods for Converting Biomass into Biofuels

“…More precise technologies for converting biomass components are gradually replacing traditional biomass cracking processes, comparable to today's petroleum-based petrochemical industrial activities. Consequently, lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into a sustainable feedstock to produce bulk chemicals and fuels in the coming years (Qazi et al 2022). Zeolites have the potential to be used in these types of processes, and their availability and adaptability make them a fascinating prospect to explore.…”

“…Zeolites have the potential to be used in these types of processes, and their availability and adaptability make them a fascinating prospect to explore. While this is crucial for developing renewable bulk chemicals that can be used in various applications, it is also essential to reduce the overall environmental impact of the chemical industry (Qazi et al 2022). Figure 5 shows examples of zeolites used to produce various types of biofuels.…”

Methods for Preparing Hierarchical Zeolites by Chemical Etching and Their Catalytic Applications: A Review

“…Therefore, hierarchical zeolites that have been prepared through chemical etching methods play a critical role in many biomass conversion reactions. [88,89] Lignocellulose biomass is a highly abundant source of biomass that is comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, as well as extracts such as terpenes. Pyrolysis of biomass is effectively facilitated by hierarchical zeolites, which can greatly enhance catalytic performance by increasing the external surface area of the zeolite crystals and improving diffusion performance, and leads to the production of highquality bio-oil and lower coke yield.…”

“…For successful conversion, the diffusion performance and accessibility of active sites of zeolites are crucial factors. Therefore, hierarchical zeolites that have been prepared through chemical etching methods play a critical role in many biomass conversion reactions [88,89] …”