Advances in catalytic conversion of lignocellulose to chemicals and liquid fuels

Abstract In response to the awareness of limited fossil resources and environmental concerns, catalytic conversion of renewable lignocellulose biomass to value-added chemicals and fuels is of great significance and attractive for sustainable chemistry. Division of Biomass Conversion and Bio-Energy attached to Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy has devoted themselves to valorization of lignocellulose biomass since launched in 2011. Our research interests focus on breeding of biomass resources (inulin and microalgae), exploration of catalytic and biological technologies, and production of energy chemicals and fuels. Although lignocellulose biomass is renewable and abundant, the way of utilization should be reasonable according to its structural characteristics in view of efficiency and economy. In this review, to celebrate the DICP's 70th anniversary, we will highlight the major fundamental advances in DICP about the conversion of lignocellulose to value-added chemicals and liquid fuels. Particular attention will be paid to the transformation of cellulose and its derivatives to glycols, acids and nitrogen-containing chemicals, hemicellulose-derived platform molecule furfural to jet fuels and lignin to aromatics using catalytic technologies.