Conversion of cellulose to glucose and further transformation into fuels over solid acid catalysts: A mini review

The abundant of cellulose biomass resources and the projected global market escalations for allied chemicals and fuels inferred that large-scale valorization would benefit the global energy and chemical industries. In line with this strategy, the paper carefully reviewed and examined resourceful literature on the potentials of solid acids for cellulose-to-glucose reaction and the transformation into fuels/chemicals. It initially evaluated the cellulose to glucose path by considering ionic liquids as the media for hydrolysis. The influence of employing sulfonated mesoporous carbon systems was adequately explored. In addition to critical analysis of the cellulose to sugar alcohols, the paper also analyzed the role of Fe-modified zeolites for glucose upgrading. It simultaneously discussed the parameters necessary for process upgrade and addressing catalyst-stability challenges. We have also provided new directions for further investigations in line with the findings established.