Development of Heterogeneous Catalysts for Thermo-Chemical Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most attractive renewable resources that can be used for the production of biofuels and valuable chemicals. However, problems associated with the low efficiency of its conversion and poor selectivity to desired products remain. Therefore, in recent years researchers have focused on the design of highly active and stable catalysts, enabling an increase in the effectiveness of lignocellulosic biomass processing. This work is devoted to the presentation of the latest trends in the studies of the heterogeneous catalysts used in thermo-chemical conversion of such feedstock. The systems applied for the production of both bio-oil and hydrogen-rich gas are discussed. Zeolites, mesoporous materials, metal oxides, supported metal catalysts, and modifications of their structure are described. Moreover, the impact of the physicochemical properties of the presented catalyst on their catalytic performance in the mentioned processes is demonstrated.