Transformation of biomass via the selective hydrogenolysis of CO bonds by nanoscale metal catalysts

Chemistry in supercritical fluids for the synthesis of metal nanomaterials

The supercritical flow synthesis of metal nanomaterials is sustainable and scalable for the efficient production of materials.

Nanostructured Metal Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation and Oxidation of Cellulosic Biomass to Chemicals

Conversion of biomass to chemicals provides essential products to human society from renewable resources. In this context, achieving atom-economical and energy-efficient conversion with high selectivity towards target products remains a key challenge. Recent developments in nanostructured catalysts address this challenge reporting remarkable performances in shape and morphology dependent catalysis by metals on nano scale in energy and environmental applications. In this review, most recent advances in synthesis of heterogeneous nanomaterials, surface characterization and catalytic performances for hydrogenation and oxidation for biorenewables with plausible mechanism have been discussed. The perspectives obtained from this review paper will provide insights into rational design of active, selective and stable catalytic materials for sustainable production of value-added chemicals from biomass resources.

Efficient cleavage of aryl ether C-O linkages by Rh-Ni and Ru-Ni nanoscale catalysts operating in water

Rh–Ni and Ru–Ni nanocatalysts efficiently catalyze the hydrogenolysis of C–O bonds under mild operating conditions in water.

Bimetallic Ru–Ni and Rh–Ni nanocatalysts coated with a phase transfer agent efficiently cleave aryl ether C–O linkages in water in the presence of hydrogen. For dimeric substrates with weaker C–O linkages, i.e. α-O-4 and β-O-4 bonds, low loadings of the precious metal (Rh or Ru) in the nanocatalysts quantitatively afford monomers, whereas for the stronger 4-O-5 linkage higher amounts of the precious metal are required to achieve complete conversion. Under the optimized, relatively mild operating conditions, the C–O bonds in a range of substituted ether compounds are efficiently cleaved, and mechanistic insights into the reaction pathways are provided. This work paves the way to sustainable approaches for the hydrogenolysis of C–O bonds.

Effective hydrodeoxygenation of dibenzofuran by a bimetallic catalyst in water

Hydrodeoxygenation of dibenzofuran by Ni/Pt bimetallic catalyst was achieved with 99% total conversion and 88% of selectivity of cyclohexylbenzene.

Solvent effects in catalysis: rational improvements of catalysts via manipulation of solvent interactions

The interactions of solvents with catalysts, substrates and products all influence the rate and selectivity of reactions and should be considered to ensure a reaction is run under optimum conditions.

Rational control of nano-scale metal-catalysts for biomass conversion

This feature article discusses the rational control of nano-scale metal catalysts for catalytic biomass transformation.

The technology of straw sugar conversion to diol chemicals

Real biomass was the starting material for diols, a nice process integration was outlined, and the reaction parameters were carefully optimized.

Conversion of chitin and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine into a N-containing furan derivative in ionic liquids

Direct, sustainable formation of a N-containing furan derivative from ocean-based chitin biomass by using green, non-volatile ionic liquid solvent.

Homogeneous catalysis for the conversion of biomass and biomass-derived platform chemicals

This perspective highlights the importance of homogeneous catalysis in the selective and efficient transformation of various types of biomass and platform chemicals to useful chemicals.

Emerging strategies for breaking the 3D amorphous network of lignin

This perspective encompasses the emerging trends and developments for breaking lignin by depolymerization and upgrading to aromatic monomers via deoxygenation, enzymatic oxidation strategies and carbonization.