Chapter 7. Nanoparticle Design for the Catalytic Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass

In this chapter, an account of up-to-date developments in the catalytic valorisation of lignocellulosic biomass via the novel design of nanocatalysts is given. Lignocellulosic biomass represents the largest renewable carbon resource that is used to produce value-added chemicals. Nanocatalysts, tuneable in size, shape, composition, and support, have been widely employed in lignocellulosic biomass valorisation, in order to simultaneously improve the conversion and product selectivity, and to allow the use of milder reaction conditions. The synthesis, design and applications of nanocatalysts for the transformation of cellulose (glucose and cellulose), hemicellulose (xylose, xylan and hemicellulose) and lignin (lignin model compounds and lignin) for chemical production will be summarized according to the reaction type.