A survey of recent progress on novel catalytic materials with precise crystalline structures for oxidation/hydrogenation of key biomass platform chemicals

In the global attempt to reduce carbon footprint toward sustainability, the chemical and petrochemical industry faces the problem to replace the fossil feedstock with renewable resources, reduce energy consumption and to intensify and integrate the processes to be more carbon efficient. Biomass containing plentiful and renewable carbon resources is regarded to be a desired alternative for fossil fuel. Recently, research community has paid remarkable attention to develop the catalytic processes to produce fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. This review surveys the recent advances of several representative novel catalytic materials with precise crystalline structures for key biomass platform chemicals (glucose, levulinic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and furfural) conversion processes, including oxidation, hydrogenation, and cascade reactions. The mechanistic reaction pathways are discussed, as well as the active sites and catalyst design. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities in this particular area is projected and shared with the community. (Figure presented.).