Emerging Heterogeneous Catalysis for Valorization of Biomass-Derived Platform Molecules: The Systematic Review Toward Sustainable Biorefinery Applications

Abstract

The transition toward a circular and sustainable bioeconomy requires new catalytic technology to transform renewable biomass into high-value chemicals and fuels. Heterogeneous catalysts have demonstrated themselves to be key devices in this regard, providing operational resilience, recoverability, and compatibility with industrially continuous-flow operation. This review provides an overview of the promise of heterogeneous catalysts, described as the selective upgrading of four important biomass-derived platform molecules furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid (LA), and glycerol. Importantly, the catalyst families including metal oxides, supported metals, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), porous organic polymers (POPs), and carbon-based materials have been extensively studied in structural features, active sites, and reaction mechanisms in processes such as hydrogenation, etherification, dehydration, and hydrodeoxygenation. Particular focus is given to the synergy of acid–base and redox functionalities, metal–support interactions, and multifunctional architectures that facilitate tandem and cascade reactions. The review closes by summarizing current limitations and providing insights for next-generation catalytic systems designed for scalable, selective, and green biorefinery purposes.