Advances in catalytic valorization of cellulose into value-added chemicals and fuels over heterogeneous catalysts.

The valorization of lignocellulose has received increasing attention due to the diminishing of conventional fossil energy (coal, petroleum, and natural gas). Lignocellulosic biomass is the most important form of biomass, which is naturally abundant, widely distributed, easily accessible, and renewable in earth. Upgrading the nonedible lignocellulosic biomass into various fine-chemicals and liquid fuels is of great importance to the sustainable development of mankind and society. Heterogeneous catalysts have played a significant role in the transformation of lignocellulose, owing to their easy recovery, environmentally friendly, and stability feature. This review focuses on the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into alcohols, acids, furan derivatives, ethylene glycol, and liquid hydrocarbon fuels using heterogeneous catalysts. A brief outlook is supplied at the end of this review to emphasize the challenges and prospective with respective to this interesting and important field. [Display omitted] • We focus on the production of sorbitol, EG, HMF, LA, hydrocarbons, and EtOH from cellulose over solid catalyst. • Challenges of using raw biomass were highlighted. • The balance of metal-acid in catalyst played an important role in the products distribution. • Developing heterogeneous catalysts with high efficiency and high stability was encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]