Catalyst-free valorization of biomass resources to value-added products

Abstract

The development of a sustainable and green system to utilize biomass resources will be an exemplification move in delivering the global goal of a sustainable economy and environment. For the first time, in this paper, we review the research on catalyst-free valorization of abundant and renewable biomass to high-value bio-based chemicals and fuel. Catalyst-free strategy is proving to be superior to catalyst-assisted methods, especially in simple, low-infectant, low-cost, etc., which is very attractive for potential industrial applications. Various biomass conversion routes realized in a catalyst-free system as well as the corresponding reaction mechanism, including the valorization of lignin and cellulose to useful monomers and polymeric products, the production of biodiesel via transesterification, and the conversion of platform molecules to value-added compounds, were discussed. Moreover, the opportunities and challenges of the development of catalyst-free biomass conversion are proposed preliminarily. This review on the catalyst-free valorization of biomass resources is intended to spark the interest of the sustainable chemical community.