Catalysis for Biomass Conversion: Innovative Processes, Theory and Computational Methods

Dear Colleagues,

Plant biomass consists of three main components: lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. Currently, research is being actively conducted on the processing of these components into valuable chemicals, which could lead to the replacement of a wide range of petroleum products with modified components of plant materials.

Various catalysts are used for the processing of plant raw material components. For example, Ru/C, Pt/C, Rh/C, ZnPd/C, Ni/C, Pt/ZrO₂, Pd/ZrO₂ and many other catalysts have been used for the hydrogenation of lignocellulosic biomass, leading to the production of various methoxyphenols, celluloses and other valuable chemicals. In addition, an important area of research is the development, production and study of new biomass-conversion catalysts and their comparison with traditional catalysts.

Recently, the number of unique studies on the production of new modified derivatives of plant biomass components by catalytic methods has increased. These derivatives, due to their wide range of properties, can be used in many areas—from medicine and pharmacology to construction and the food industry.

Along with actively developing experimental studies of catalysts and processes for the processing of lignocellulosic biomass components, attention is also paid to theoretical calculation methods. Thanks to these methods, it is possible to predict a number of physicochemical properties of new materials, to study the patterns and ways of synthesis of individual components on certain catalysts, and much more.

Additionally, this Special Issue welcomes reviews on the catalytic processing of biomass (including fermentative catalysis) and its components, and on theoretical computational methods for studying both catalytically modified biosubstances as well as catalysts and catalytic processes. At the same time, the discussion of new areas of application, market prospects for new biomass conversion catalysts and other products is also welcome.

Dr. Aleksandr S. Kazachenko
Dr. Yuriy N. Malyar
Dr. Nicola Di Fidio 
Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti
Guest Editors

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