Recent Advances in Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose Into Variable Chemicals and Bio-Fuels

Cellulose is expected to be a potential raw material for producing fuels and chemicals. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in catalytic conversion of cellulose into variable chemicals and bio-fuels by different types of catalysts, such as mineral acids, solid acids, transition metals, enzymes, functionalized ionic liquids (ILs), and metal halides. The catalysis reactions mainly involve with the hydrolysis, hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of cellulose. Acids and enzymes can be used to promote the hydrolysis of cellulose into oligomers and glucose, while metal catalysts conduct hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of initial products. In addition, pretreatment approaches and reaction media also play important roles for efficient conversion of cellulose.