Advances in catalytic transformations of carbohydrates and lignin in ionic liquids and mechanistic studies

Abstract

In biomass refinery, ionic liquids (ILs) enable more efficient conversion and higher product selectivity at milder conditions compared with conventional molecular solvents. Carbohydrates and lignin are the dominating components in biomass. The aim of this article is to update the recent progresses of ionic liquids‐based catalytic systems for lignocellulosic biomass conversions based on the published works mostly in the last 5 years. Mechanistic understanding of the catalytic processes in converting biomass to renewable chemicals and fuels is critically important for the design of superior catalysts. Apart from theoretical approaches, two recently developed characterization techniques, in situ far infrared spectroscopy and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance have been applied in the molecular level understanding of both catalysts and catalyzed reactions during biomass conversions in ILs. The major challenges and opportunities involved in the large‐scale production of biomass platform chemicals are also discussed.This article is categorized under: Bioenergy > Science and Materials