One-pot, cascade conversion of cellulose to γ-valerolactone over a multifunctional Ru–Cu/zeolite-Y catalyst in supercritical methanol

Direct biomass valorisation to γ-valerolactone by Ru-PNP catalysed hydrogenation in acid

“…A subsequent hydrogenation leads to furfuryl alcohol, which is then rehydrated by acid to LA, and finally a second hydrogenation leads to GVL. Unfortunately, there are only very few examples of direct transformation of cellulose 8 and hemicellulose 9 to GVL, severely hampering the potential for using biogenic carbohydrates for obtaining GVL.…”

“…8 b In addition, most of the protocols developed for later-stage entries, such as poly- and monosaccharides, also employ very harsh conditions between 170–200 °C and either a sacrificial H-donor or high H 2 pressures of up to approximately 100 bar. 8,9 One exception is given by Li who reported the direct production of GVL by 20 wt% Ru/TiO 2 catalyst in combination with 40 wt% of the strong Brønsted acid H 3 PW 12 O 40 (HPA) in water/γ-butyrolactone mixture at 130–150 °C under 40 bar H 2 . 8 c GVL yields from fructose (130 °C), glucose (150 °C), starch (150 °C), and cellulose (150 °C) reached 68%, 55%, 48%, and 41%, respectively.…”

Investigating the Catalytic Influence of Boron on Ni-Co/Ca Catalysts for Improved Syngas Generation from Rice Straw Pyrolysis

“…It is expected that in 2021, the proportion of renewable energy in electricity generation will reach a historical high of 30%. Consequently, biomass is expected to become a viable alternative to fossil energy [6][7][8].…”

Current approaches, emerging developments and functional prospects for lignin-based catalysts – a review

“…Many homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, including activated carbon, carbon nanostructures, functionalized zeolite, silica, inorganic acids and bases, as well as metal-based and metal oxide-supported catalysts, have shown high catalytic performance in different reactions. 112,[164][165][166][167] These catalysts could offer comparable or higher selectivity and catalytic activity than lignin-based catalysts, which provides an incentive to develop bio-based catalysts derived from lignin given their natural origin, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and regeneration potential. In addition, conventional catalysts have a number of limitations, including cost control, non-ecological support materials, impact on human health and the environment, energy consumption during preparation, and poor recovery and reuse potential.…”