Chapter 5: Catalysis's Role in Bioproducts Update

The goal for catalyst development, both homogeneous and heterogeneous, using bio-based feedstocks is designing new and robust materials for the dehydration, decarboxylation, decarbonylation, hydrogenolysis, esterification, and ketonization reactions that are required for converting these renewable, generally oxygenated feedstocks to desirable and renewable products. This chapter summarizes the work done on developing bio-based products in the last decade using the seminal US Department of Energy report on the top twelve bio-based chemicals as a starting point to assess catalyst improvement, novel process options, commercialization potential, and market penetration when possible.