Will Zeolite-Based Catalysis be as Relevant in Future Biorefineries as in Crude Oil Refineries?

Transition from petroleum- to biomass-based fuel economy will require new conversion strategies. In a petroleum refinery, particular hydrocarbon fractions from crude oil are catalytically converted into high-grade fuels. Certain zeolite catalysts are performing exceptionally well. Unlike petroleum fractions, biomass-derived compounds have a high oxygen content requiring low-temperature catalytic aqueous phase processes for selective conversion and stability of zeolite catalysts in hot liquid water. It will be shown that recent developments in zeolite synthesis and modification allow adapting zeolite properties to achieve selective conversion of biomass compounds/fractions as well. Approved catalysts for fuels of the future: Transition from petroleum- to biomass-based fuel economy will require new conversion strategies. This Essay describes how recent developments in zeolite synthesis and modification allow adapting zeolite properties to achieve selective conversion of biomass compounds. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.