Photocatalytic valorization of biomass derivatives for fine chemicals and fuels production over halide perovskite catalysts

Abstract

Biomass derivatives, as renewable and widely available feedstocks, offer significant opportunities for the sustainable production of fine chemicals and fuels. Recently, metal halide perovskites (MHPs), endowed with exceptional optoelectronic properties, have emerged as promising candidates for the photocatalytic transformation of these biomass-derived molecules. This review provides an overview of recent progress in MHP-based photocatalysts for valorization of biomass derivatives. We first discuss the fundamental photophysical properties of MHPs that govern their catalytic activity. Then, representative transformations of biomass derivatives are discussed, including the oxidation of furans and alcohols, lignin depolymerization, phenol coupling, and alcohol-amine condensation. The catalytic efficiency and selectivity are presented, with emphasis placed on elucidating reaction mechanisms and uncovering structure-performance correlations. Finally, future research directions are outlined, highlighting opportunities to further enhance MHP-based catalyst performance and to advance the development of efficient photocatalytic systems for sustainable biorefineries.