Recent developments in the catalytic conversion of cellulose

The increasing demand for energy has led to the development of biomass conversion technologies. As the most abundant biomass on Earth, cellulose is generally chosen as the primary research target for biomass conversion. In this review, gasification and pyrolysis of cellulose are briefly discussed and hydrolysis is then considered in detail. Moreover, many new developments and applications are introduced in cellulose conversion in recent years. Among these technologies, heterogeneous catalysis, hydrolysis in ionic liquid and hydrolysis by hot-compressed water exhibit a promising potential in cellulose conversion. Therefore, they are well recognized as powerful, fast and efficient techniques, becoming the focus of intensive research.