Recent Advances in the Photocatalytic Conversion of Biomass-Derived Furanic Compounds

Abstract

Photocatalysis has recently been highlighted as an environmentally friendly and energy-saving method toward biomass conversion. In this review, recent advances in the photocatalytic conversion of biomass-derived furanic compounds into the corresponding value-added products over various photocatalytic materials are systematically summarized. In addition, progress in the combination of such a photooxidation with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting is also reviewed. Finally, some potential research trends to systematically investigate the redox potential of photocatalysis, design more effective catalysts, broaden the reaction types, and realize real industrial production via photocatalysis are also proposed. A bright future can be foreseen according to the explosive reports in recent years and the great number of topics that are worth exploring.