Heterogeneously Catalyzed Hydrothermal Processing of C5-C6Sugars.
Biomass has been long exploited as an anthropogenic energy source; however, the 21st century challenges of energy security and climate change are driving resurgence in its utilization both as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels and as a sustainable carbon feedstock for chemicals production. Deconstruction of cellulose and hemicellulose carbohydrate polymers into their constituent C5and C6sugars, and subsequent heterogeneously catalyzed transformations, offer the promise of unlocking diverse oxygenates such as furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, and gluconic acid as biorefinery platform chemicals. Here, we review recent advances in the design and development of catalysts and processes for C5-C6sugar reforming into chemical intermediates and products, and highlight the challenges of aqueous phase operation and catalyst evaluation, in addition to process considerations such as solvent and reactor selection.
European Bioenergy Research Institute, Aston University , Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom.
Xingguang
X
Zhang
European Bioenergy Research Institute, Aston University , Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom.
Karen
K
Wilson
European Bioenergy Research Institute, Aston University , Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom.
Adam F
AF
Lee
D000143:Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D000468:Alkalies / Q000737:chemistry; D002384:Catalysis; D005662:Furaldehyde / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D005942:Gluconates / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D006601:Hexoses / Q000737:chemistry*; D007536:Isomerism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010429:Pentoses / Q000737:chemistry*; D013402:Sugar Alcohols / Q000138:chemical synthesis
D000143:Acids; D000468:Alkalies; D005942:Gluconates; D006601:Hexoses; D010429:Pentoses; D013402:Sugar Alcohols; D005662:Furaldehyde; C030691:gluconic acid