Valorization of different biomasses by metal impregenatedmesoporous catalysts

Abstract

Humanity is entirely dependent on the finite fossil fuel reserves such as oil, coal and natural gas for energy needs. Due to vast industrialization and explosion in population, the fossil fuel reserves are diminishing at the faster rate which raises concerns over the environment (greenhouse gas and global warming). As no new oil reserves were explored, the number of reserves to production (R/P) ratio decreases, which resulted in the increase in the price of the oil. In addition, the continuous burning of fossil fuel results in the emission of greenhouse gases and the effects are irrevocable. In order to mitigate the twin crises of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation, new fuels from bio origin is sought by researchers. As the CO2 recycle time is shorter in biofuels than in burning of fossil fuels, the utilization of energy from renewable biomass offers a promising solution. In addition, utilization of biomass lowers the carbon footprints. Over a last decade, researchers have been focusing on the identification and production of renewable fuels and fine chemicals from various biomasses that includes starch, oils, lignocellulose etc. Among the top value added chemicals reported by U.S Department of Energy, newline