Various catalysts have been developed to enhance the efficiency of cellulose conversion:
Acid Catalysts: Both homogeneous (e.g., sulfuric acid) and heterogeneous (e.g., zeolites) acid catalysts are effective in hydrolyzing cellulose to glucose. Enzymatic Catalysts: Enzymes like cellulase can selectively hydrolyze cellulose under mild conditions, providing high specificity and yield. Metal Catalysts: Metals such as platinum, palladium, and nickel are used in hydrogenation and oxidation reactions to produce various alcohols and acids. Bifunctional Catalysts: These combine multiple catalytic functionalities in one system, allowing for one-pot transformations of cellulose to desired products.
