Recent advances in supported ionic liquid catalysts for sustainable biomass valorisation to high-value chemicals and fuels

Abstract

Biomass has emerged as a potential feedstock to depleting and non-renewable fossil fuels. Development of greener catalytic routes for the valorisation of biomass to high-value chemicals and fuels is important to achieve more sustainable future. In recent years, supported ionic liquid catalysts (SILCs) has attracted increasing attention due to their ability to overcome the drawbacks associated with the conventional ionic liquids (ILs). SILCs not only possesses excellent catalytic activity, thermal stability, tunable acid-base properties, but also acts as a bridge between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. In this review we have provided a brief overview of the most significant advances in the utilization of SILCs for the upgradation of lignocellulosic biomass to four important bio-based products i.e. biofuel precursors, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), and reducing sugars that are significant as chemicals and fuels in industries. We also highlight the structure–activity relationship of the catalyst, and identify the key research challenges and future prospects that requires to be addressed. With the rising demand on SILs as an alternative green catalyst, we hope, this contribution may be a paradigm for future development of novel SILCs for biomass conversion.