Bi-functional Catalysts for Direct Transformation of Cellulose and Wood

Hydrogenolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose resulting in C-C and C-O cleavage is a promising technology for the direct transformation of biomass into value-added chemicals and could be an entry point for future biorefinery concepts. Suitable catalyst systems cover the whole range of molecular and solid acid catalysts together with hydrogenation catalysts. Interestingly, the requirements concerning catalyst development for biomass conversions appear to be different from those for catalysts for conventional petrochemical processes. Both the high polarity of the substrates and the high polarity of the utilized solvents together with the need for liquid phase processes necessitate new strategies in material design and adapted surface properties of the catalysts.

Funded by: TMFB and Robert Bosch Stiftung