Recent advances in pyrolysis of cellulose to value-added chemicals

Lignocellulosic biomass has gained growing interest as a promising substitute for the production of renewable and sustainable chemicals and fuels as the dwindling fossil-fuel reserves. Pyrolysis without using any chemical reagent is an effective method to depolymerize cellulose into kinds of value-added chemicals. Herein, we summarized recent progress about non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose into specific chemicals, including levoglucosan, 1-hydroxy-3,6-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-2-one, levoglucosenone, furans, aromatics, and olefins via dehydration, aromatization, and aldol condensation, etc. An analysis and summary of the optimal conditions of these value-added chemicals by catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose are benefit to develop better production methods. In addition, the potential challenges and future perspectives for the pyrolysis of cellulose to chemicals are also discussed to provide a feasible direction for relevant researchers to advance industrialization.

Automated summary

This translation summarizes the latest research progress on the depolymerization of cellulose into specific chemicals through non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis, and analyzes and summarizes the optimal conditions for these value-added chemicals, providing feasible directions for future industrialization.