RecentDevelopmentsintheCatalyticConversionofCelluloseintoValuableChemicals.pdfVIP

2011 Chinese Journal of Catalysis Vol. 32 No. 5 Article ID: 0253-9837(2011)05-0716-07 DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(10)60232-X Review: 716–722 Recent Developments in the Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose into Valuable Chemicals * Pengfei YANG, Hirokazu KOBAYASHI, Atsushi FUKUOKA Catalysis Research Center, Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0021, Hokkaido, Japan Abstract: Currently, under huge pressure from energy demands and environmental problems, much attention is being paid to biomass con- version, which will play an important role in meeting the requirements for a sustainable society. As the most abundant biomass on earth, cellulose is usually used as the first research target for biomass conversion. In this review, the recalcitrant structure of cellulose is discussed and non-catalytic hydrolysis by hot-compressed water and catalytic hydrolysis using solid acids are then considered. We also review the catalytic conversion of cellulose into valuable chemicals including hexitols (sorbitol and mannitol), ethylene glycol, and related compounds using various heterogeneous catalysts. Key words: biomass; cellulose; heterogeneous catalyst; glucose; sorbitol; hot-compressed water; hydrolysis; hydrogenation CLC number: O643 Document code: A Received 14 March 2011. Accepted 15 April 2011. *Corresponding author. Tel: +81-11-706-9140; Fax: +81-11-706-9139; E-mail: fukuoka@cat.hokudai.ac.jp This work was supported by the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI, 202260