Porous carbon in catalytic transformation of cellulose

The application of porous carbon in catalytic transformation of cellulose has received considerable interest owing to increasing energy and environmental pressures. In this mini-review, we first outline the featured properties of porous carbon in catalytic cellulose transformation in terms of porosities and surface functionalities. An interconnected hierarchical structure and enrichment of mesopores are highly desired for reactant, intermediate, and product diffusion; while hydrophilic surfaces are favored in aqueous phase transformation and certain acidic oxygen functionalities play a role of acid sites as well as enhancing the adsorption of feedstock via 1,4-glycosidic bonds. We then summarize specific reactions in cellulose transformation in the order of hydrolysis and hydrolytic hydrogenation. In the hydrolysis of cellulose, porous carbon is generally used as a solid acid by taking advantage of its enriched oxygen functionalities, while in the hydrolytic hydrogenation, carbon serves as the support of bifunctional catalysts with active acidic sites. Finally, the synthesis and potential application of specific novel porous carbon materials, such as heteroatom-modified porous carbon and mesoporous carbon composites, are highlighted.

Graphical AbstractPorous carbon in catalytic cellulose transformation is reviewed in terms of the properties of carbon, carbon as solid acid in cellulose hydrolysis, and carbon as catalyst support in cellulose hydrolytic hydrogenation reaction.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide