Heteroatom modified carbon nanomaterials as metal-free catalysts for lignocellulosic carbohydrate valorization

Abstract Carbohydrates derived from lignocellulosic biomass represent 55%–85% of total biomass that can be used as a raw material for the production of renewable chemicals and biofuels. The efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into carbohydrates and its utilization is still a major challenge because of biomass recalcitrance and poor selectivity toward the desired product. Carbon nanomaterials as a catalyst and catalyst support have attracted increasing attention in not only lignocellulose to carbohydrates conversion but also for carbohydrates utilization due to their worldwide availability, large specific surface area, ease of surface functionalization and strong metal-support interaction. In this chapter biomass utilization using functionalized carbon material as a metal-free catalyst has been reviewed. It focuses on the cellulose conversion to carbohydrates and upgrading of carbohydrates to highly valued chemicals, such as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 2,5-diformylfuran, etc.