The lignin challenge in catalytic conversion of biomass solids to chemicals and fuels

Presented here is an overview of progress in one approach to reducing greenhouse gas emission, namely substituting photosynthesis generated, woody biomass for fossil carbon as feedstock in the production of chemicals and liquid fuels. Particular emphasis is given to one of the most difficult aspects of biomass conversion, namely dealing with lignin, which is the second largest component (after cellulose) of woody materials. Lignin is largely composed of aromatic monomers linked (and cross-linked) in various bonding modes. As such it presents particular challenges for disassembling. However, it also represents an important opportunity for producing both liquid fuels for transportation and monomers with valuable properties as carbon-neutral precursors for various chemical applications including the synthesis of new polymers. Many examples of the approaches to these challenges are drawn from the authors' own research. While we have attempted to present a broader viewpoint, this Perspective is not intended as a comprehensive review of the extensive research from other laboratories worldwide. Presented here is an overview of progress in one approach to reducing greenhouse gas emission, namely substituting photosynthesis generated, woody biomass for fossil carbon as feedstock in the production of chemicals and liquid fuels.