CHAPTER 1. Catalytic Conversion of Biomass in Ionic Liquids

Lignocellulosic biomass, an alternative and sustainable energy source for the future, can be used as a feedstock for bioconversion into fermentable sugars or other value-added chemicals. The ability of ionic liquids to dissolve lignocellulosic materials provides new opportunities for the utilization of this renewable resource. In this chapter, the catalytic conversion of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, and raw lignocellulosic biomass in the presence of ionic liquids to sugars or other value-added chemicals, such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, is reviewed. Mineral acids, solid acids, metal salts, and acidic ionic liquids are efficient catalysts for the conversion of lignocelluloses in ionic liquids. This conversion process can be carried out under mild conditions, which enables the energy-efficient and cost-effective conversion of biomass to biofuels and platform chemicals. However, several challenges in this area need to be addressed and some of these are considered at the end of this chapter.