Functionalization of carbon xerogels for the preparation of palladium supported catalysts applied in sugar transformations

- Carbon xerogels were functionalized and stabilized.
- Functionalization by air is the most efficient and time-saving.
- A Pd complex was covalently grafted on the oxygenated groups and reduced.
- The synthesized catalysts could be used in bifunctional catalysis.
- The bifunctional Pd/C catalysts converted cellobiose into 100% gluconic acid.