Catalytic conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethylene glycol: Effects of inorganic impurities in biomass

The effects of inorganic impurities in biomass on the catalytic conversion of cellulose to ethylene glycol (EG) were investigated, and the mechanisms of catalyst deactivation by certain impurities were identified. The impurities in biomass were selectively removed, using suitable pretreatments, and the EG yield reached 50%, even for conversion of an industrial cellulosic feedstock at a high concentration of 10%.117