The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

With its focus on catalysis and addressing two very hot and timely topics with significant implications for our future lives, this will be a white book in the field. The authority behind this practical work is the IDECAT Network of Excellence, and the authors here outline how the use of catalysis will promote the more extensive use of renewable feedstocks in chemical and energy production. They present the latest applications, their applicability and results, making this a ready reference for researchers and engineers working in catalysis, chemistry, and industrial processes wishing to analyze options, outlooks and opportunities in the field.

The Role of Catalysis for the Sustainable Production of Bio-fuels and Bio-chemicals describes the importance of catalysis for the sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals, focused primarily on the state-of-the-art catalysts and catalytic processes expected to play a decisive role in the "green" production of fuels and chemicals from biomass. In addition, the book includes general elements regarding the entire chain of biomass production, conversion, environment, economy, and life-cycle assessment. Very few books are available on catalysis in production schemes using biomass or its primary conversion products, such as bio-oil and lignin. This book fills that gap with detailed discussions of: - Catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass - Hybrid biogasoline by co-processing in FCC units - Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to biofuels (biomass-to-liquid process) - Steam reforming of bio-oils to hydrogen With energy prices rapidly rising, environmental concerns growing, and regulatory apparatus evolving, this book is a resource with tutorial, research, and technological value for chemists, chemical engineers, policymakers, and students. - Includes catalytic reaction mechanism schemes and gives a clear understanding of catalytic processes - Includes flow diagrams of bench-, pilot- and industrial-scale catalytic processing units and demonstrates the various process technologies involved, enabling easy selection of the best process - Incorporates many tables, enabling easy comparison of data based on a critical review of the available literature

Fischer-Tropsch Technology is a unique book for its state-of-the-art approach to Fischer Tropsch (FT) technology. This book provides an explanation of the basic principles and terminology that are required to understand the application of FT technology. It also contains comprehensive references to patents and previous publications. As the first publication to focus on theory and application, it is a contemporary reference source for students studying chemistry and chemical engineering. Researchers and engineers active in the development of FT technology will also find this book an invaluable source of information. * Is the first publication to cover the theory and application for modern Fischer Tropsch technology * Contains comprehensive knowledge on all aspects relevant to the application of Fischer Tropsch technology* No other publication looks at past, present and future applications

Biomass, Biofuels, Biochemicals: Recent Advances in Development of Platform Chemicals provides a detailed overview on the experimentally developed methods that facilitate platform chemicals derivation from biomass-based substrates with robust catalyst systems. In addition, the book highlights the green chemistry approach towards platform chemical production. Chapters discuss platform chemicals and global market volumes, the optimization of process schemes and reaction parameters with respect to achieving a high yield of targeted platform chemicals, such as sugars and furonic compounds by modifying the respective catalytic system, the influence of solvents on reaction selectivity and product distribution, and the long-term stability of employed catalysts. Overall, the objectives of the book are to provide the reader with an understanding of the societal importance of platform chemicals, an assessment of the techno-economic viability of biomass valorization processes, catalyst design for a specific reaction, and the design of a catalytic system. - Covers recent developments on platform chemicals - Provides comprehensive technological developments on specific platform chemicals - Covers organic transformations, catalytic synthesis, thermal stability, reaction parameters and solvent effect - Includes case studies on the production of a number of chemicals, such as Levulinic acid, glycerol, phenol derivatives, and more

Explore the potential of biomass-based chemicals with this comprehensive new reference from leading voices in the field With the depletion of fossil raw materials a readily ascertainable inevitability, the exploitation of biomass-based renewable derivatives becomes ever more practical and realistic. In Biomass Valorization: Sustainable Methods for the Production of Chemicals, accomplished researchers and authors Davide Ravelli and Chiara Samori deliver a thorough compilation of state-of-the-art techniques and most advanced strategies used to convert biomass into useful building blocks and commodity chemicals. Each chapter in this collection of insightful papers begins by detailing the core components of the described technology, along with a fulsome description of its advantages and limitations, before moving on to a discussion of recent advancements in the field. The discussions are grouped by the processed biomass, such as terrestrial biomass, aquatic biomass, and biomass-deriving waste. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the role of biomass in the production of chemicals An exploration of biomass processing via acid, base and metal catalysis, as well as biocatalysis A practical discussion of biomass processing via pyrolysis and thermochemical-biological hybrid processes A concise treatment of biomass processing assisted by ultrasound and via electrochemical, photochemical and mechanochemical means Perfect for chemical engineers, catalytic chemists, biotechnologists, and polymer chemists, Biomass Valorization: Sustainable Methods for the Production of Chemicals will also earn a place in the libraries of environmental chemists and professionals working with organometallics and natural products chemists.

Volume I mainly focuses on the current understanding of the reaction pathways and mechanisms involved in several important catalytic conversions of cellulose and carbohydrates. It starts with nanoscale illustrations of biomass structures and describes various reactions including cellulose depolymerization to sugars, catalytic aldose-ketose isomerization and dehydration, selective oxidation, hydrogenolysis of cellulose and sugars, and the conversion of short carbohydrates. The specificity and function of different catalysts and reaction media in relation to the catalytic performances for these reactions are discussed with significant mechanistic details. Marcel Schlaf, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Canada. Z. Conrad Zhang, PhD, is a Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.