Core-Magnetic Composites Catalysts for the Valorization and Up-grading of the Renewable Feedstocks: A Minireview

Core-magnetic composites offer unique possibilities to accommodate adequate amounts of acid-base and redox functional sites and hence to catalyze the biomass conversion reactions in a one-pot way. Moreover, due to the dual functionality, the core-magnetic composites provide a bridge between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Hence, this minireview aims to offer a comprehensive account of remarkable recent applications of core-magnetic composites in the catalytic processes for biomass valorization. A critical evaluation of synthetic methodologies utilized for the production of the magnetic nanoparticles, characterization techniques and catalytic applications is provided. The benefits of their utilization are exemplified by most representative examples of one-pot transformation of cellulose and upgrading processes. Other recent examples constitute the lignin fragmentation on magnetic iron oxide-based catalysts and the renewable crude glycerol up-grading using core-shell magnetic iron oxide bio-based materials. The review provides important information on the distinctive properties of the functionalized core-magnetic composites. Moreover, this review offers useful information affording a largescale production development, in terms of catalyst and reaction conditions, tailoring selectivity, and the potential to regenerate the catalysts.