Catalysis for Biomass Conversion: Pioneering Emission Control and Sustainable Energy Futures

Surajudeen Sikiru ^1,2,*

1. School of Physics & Materials Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

2. Sustainable Energy Materials Laboratory, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

* Correspondence: Surajudeen Sikiru

Special Issue: Catalysis for Biomass Conversion: Innovative Strategies for Emission Control and Sustainable Energy Solutions

Received: July 08, 2025 | Accepted: July 08, 2025 | Published: July 10, 2025

Catalysis Research 2025, Volume 5, Issue 3, doi:10.21926/cr.2503006

Recommended citation: Sikiru S. Catalysis for Biomass Conversion: Pioneering Emission Control and Sustainable Energy Futures. Catalysis Research 2025; 5(3): 006; doi:10.21926/cr.2503006.

© 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the conditions of the Creative Commons by Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is correctly cited.

1. Introduction

In the contemporary age of climate urgency and dwindling fossil fuel reserves, the pursuit of sustainable energy sources has shifted from a theoretical concern to an existential imperative [1,2]. Among the array of renewable alternatives, biomass an organic material derived from plants and animals has emerged as a promising candidate due to its wide availability, carbon-neutral nature, and compatibility with existing energy infrastructures [3,4]. However, to harness the full potential of biomass as a sustainable and clean energy source, innovative and efficient conversion technologies are required. This is where catalysis, the cornerstone of modern chemical transformations, assumes a pivotal role. This editorial examines the rapidly evolving field of catalysis for biomass conversion, highlighting its transformative impact on emission control and its promise in delivering sustainable energy solutions. As researchers push the frontiers of green chemistry, catalysis is enabling selective, energy-efficient, and environmentally benign transformations of biomass into fuels, chemicals, and materials, offering viable paths to decarbonization.

Figure 1 illustrates a visual representation of the sustainable conversion of biomass into clean energy through catalysis. It begins on the lower left with biomass sources, including plants and agricultural residues, symbolizing organic material derived from nature. A truck icon indicates collection and transportation, emphasizing biomass's wide availability and mobility. This biomass is directed toward the central catalytic process, represented by a large green circle labeled “Catalysis.” This signifies the pivotal role of catalysis in transforming raw biomass into valuable products. Catalysis enables efficient chemical reactions that convert complex organic matter into fuels and chemicals under milder conditions, aligning with principles of green chemistry.

Figure 1 Sustainable transformation of biomass into clean energy through catalysis, Elsevier Copyright Permission License Number: 6064050136718 [5].

From this central hub, two arrows branch out, illustrating the dual impact of catalytic biomass conversion. One arrow points rightward to emission control, described by a factory with reduced smoke, highlighting how advanced catalytic techniques can minimize greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants during energy production. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote cleaner industrial processes. The second arrow flows downward to sustainable energy solutions, depicted with icons for biofuel (a leaf-emblazoned fuel container), chemical production (a flask), and green materials (stacked boards). These visuals represent the diverse and valuable outputs derived from biomass via catalysis, renewable fuels, biodegradable materials, and industrial feedstocks. In the background, solar panels and wind turbines contextualize the image within a broader renewable energy landscape, reinforcing that biomass catalysis complements other sustainable energy technologies. Overall, the abstract encapsulates catalysis as a transformative enabler of clean, carbon-neutral energy from biomass.

1.1 The Challenge and Opportunity of Biomass

Biomass is an abundant, renewable resource that includes agricultural residues, forestry waste, municipal solid waste, and dedicated energy crops [6]. Unlike fossil fuels, the carbon released during biomass combustion or processing can, in theory, be offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed during plant growth, rendering it a carbon-neutral source of energy [7]. However, raw biomass is chemically complex and heterogeneous, comprising cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and other minor components. Its high oxygen content, thermal instability, and moisture make direct use inefficient and technically challenging. Moreover, without proper processing, biomass conversion can result in the emission of particulates, NO_x, SO_x, and other harmful pollutants. Thus, the focus has shifted to advanced catalytic systems that can efficiently deconstruct and upgrade biomass into clean, value-added products.

2. Catalysis: The Heart of Efficient Biomass Conversion

Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions without changing themselves. In biomass conversion, they are indispensable for processes like pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, gasification, fermentation, and catalytic upgrading [8,9]. Catalysts not only enhance reaction rates but also influence product selectivity and energy efficiency, crucial for scaling up sustainable technologies [10]. Heterogeneous catalysts, such as solid materials like zeolites, metal oxides, and supported metals, are particularly advantageous due to their ease of separation and reusability. These catalysts have been successfully employed to convert pyrolysis vapors into stable bio-oils, reform syngas into hydrogen or methanol, and break down lignin into aromatic chemicals [11]. Homogeneous catalysts, although often more selective, pose separation and recycling challenges, yet remain valuable in processes such as esterification or hydrolysis. Biocatalysts, such as enzymes and microbes, also play an increasingly important role in mild, selective transformations, particularly in the production of bioplastics and bioethanol.

2.1 Innovations in Catalyst Design

Recent innovations in catalyst design are driving significant progress in biomass conversion. Scientists are tailoring catalysts at the nanoscale, manipulating surface area, porosity, and active site dispersion to achieve higher activity and selectivity. The development of bifunctional and multifunctional catalyst materials that can facilitate more than one reaction has enabled the one-pot processing of biomass into high-quality fuels. Furthermore, advances in in situ characterization and computational modeling are allowing researchers to understand catalytic mechanisms at the molecular level, leading to rational design and optimization of catalysts. Machine learning and AI are also being integrated into catalyst discovery platforms, accelerating the development of next-generation materials.

2.2 Emission Control Through Catalytic Processes

Catalytic biomass conversion is not only about energy production but also about reducing harmful emissions [12]. Traditional biomass combustion can lead to severe air quality problems, particularly in developing regions where open burning is common. Catalytic technologies can mitigate these effects by converting biomass into cleaner-burning fuels or by capturing pollutants during the conversion process [13]. Catalytic gasification, for example, produces a synthesis gas (syngas) composed mainly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which can be further processed into ultra-clean fuels [14]. Catalysts in this process help reduce tar formation, a significant bottleneck in gasification, leading to more efficient and less polluting systems.

Additionally, the capture of NO_x and CO₂ through catalytic processes is gaining traction. Catalytic converters designed for biomass boilers and bio-refineries can dramatically reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions [15]. Moreover, emerging photo- and electro-catalytic systems are being investigated for carbon capture and conversion, thereby turning emissions into value-added chemicals and closing the carbon loop.

2.3 Toward Integrated Biorefineries

The future of biomass conversion lies in integrated biorefinery facilities that mimic petroleum refineries but use biomass as the feedstock to produce a spectrum of products, including fuels, chemicals, heat, and power. Catalysts play a central role in this vision, enabling flexible, modular, and scalable conversion technologies. An integrated biorefinery approach ensures maximum utilization of biomass components, enhancing economic viability while minimizing waste. Lignin, often considered a waste product, is now being valorized into high-value aromatics through advanced catalytic depolymerization. Similarly, cellulose and hemicellulose are being upgraded into platform chemicals such as furfural, levulinic acid, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which can be further catalytically transformed into biofuels or plastics.

3. Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the promise, several challenges remain. Catalysts must cope with the inherent variability of biomass feedstocks, which differ in composition, moisture, and impurity levels. Catalyst deactivation due to coking, sintering, or poisoning remains a significant issue, particularly in continuous industrial processes. Additionally, many catalytic pathways are currently not cost-competitive with fossil-based alternatives. To overcome these barriers, multi-disciplinary collaboration is essential. Chemists, engineers, materials scientists, and environmental experts must collaborate to develop robust, low-cost, and scalable catalysts. Government support and policy incentives can also help bridge the economic gap and drive commercialization.

Author Contributions

The author did all the research work for this study.

Competing Interests

The author declares no conflict of interest.