Synthesis of value-added chemicals by catalytic conversion of cellulose and chitin

Abstract

Biomass is a renewable resource, and chemical synthesis from biomass contributes to low carbon emissions. However, cellulose and chitin, which are abundant biomass resources, are difficult to decompose because of their strong crystalline structure. Conventional methods using enzymes or sulfuric acid as catalysts have drawbacks in terms of reaction rate and separation. We have investigated biomass conversion of cellulose and chitin using solid catalysts, and found that depolymerization is possible. Furthermore, we succeeded in synthesizing various useful chemicals from monomeric glucose and N-acetylglucosamine.