A comprehensive reference to the use of innovative catalysts and processes to turn biomass into value-added chemicals

Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading offers detailed descriptions of catalysts and catalytic processes employed in the synthesis of chemicals and fuels from the most abundant and important biomass types. The contributors—noted experts in the field—focus on the application of catalysts to the pyrolysis of whole biomass and to the upgrading of bio-oils. The authors also discuss catalytic approaches to the processing of biomass-derived oxygenates, as exemplified by sugars, via reactions such as reforming, hydrogenation, oxidation, and condensation.

Additionally, this book provides an overview of catalysts for lignin valorization via oxidative and reductive methods and considers the conversion of fats and oils to fuels and terminal olefins by means of esterification/transesterification, hydrodeoxygenation, and decarboxylation/decarbonylation processes. The authors also provide an overview of conversion processes based on terpenes and chitin, two emerging feedstocks with a rich chemistry, and summarize some of the emerging trends in the field. This important book:

• Provides a comprehensive review of innovative catalysts, catalytic processes, and catalyst design
• Offers a guide to one of the most promising ways to find useful alternatives for fossil fuel resources
• Includes information on the most abundant and important types of biomass feedstocks
• Examines topics such as catalytic cracking, pyrolysis, depolymerization, and many more

Written for catalytic chemists, process engineers, environmental chemists, bioengineers, organic chemists, and polymer chemists, Chemical Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading presents deep insights on the most important aspects of biomass upgrading.