Biofuels and high value added chemicals from biomass using sustainably prepared metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles

The development of materials that are efficient in biomass conversion is one of the fastest growing areas of science and technology research. Heterogeneous catalysis and enzymatic-based processes have played a vital role in these processes. In recent years, nanoscale materials have emerged as pivotal components toward the catalysis of significant chemical and biochemical reactions. This chapter summarizes some of the key roles that metallic and bimetallic nanomaterials have played in biomass conversion. Significant emphasis has been devoted to describing advances in oxidation of small molecules, cellulose conversion, fatty acid decarboxylation, production of liquid fuels and the design of fuel cells. The sustainable preparation of these nanomaterials is also described.