Benign-by-design catalysts and processes for biomass conversion

The design of catalytic (nano)materials with improved characteristics and catalytic performance for biomass conversion-as opposed to conventional petrochemical processing- entails significant challenges from the point of view of the recalcitrance and complexity of biomass feedstocks as well as typical working conditions (e.g. aqueous processes) to deal with biomass. This contribution has been aimed to provide important insights into the fundamental understanding of the rational design of (nano)catalysts for biomass conversion, illustrated by a number of recent examples that can demonstrate the significant potential of catalysis for a more sustainable future.