Reaction pathways and selectivity in the chemo-catalytic conversion of cellulose and its derivatives to ethylene glycol: A review

Biomass-to-ethylene glycol is an effective means to achieve high-value utilisation of cellulose but is hindered by low conversion efficiency and poor catalyst activity and stability. Glucose and cellobiose are derivatives of cellulose conversion to ethylene glycol, and it is found that studying the reaction process of both can help to understand the reaction mechanism of cellulose. It is desirable to develop a reusable, highly active catalyst to convert cellulose into ethylene glycol. This ideal catalyst might have one or more active sites described the conversion steps above. Here, we discuss the catalyst development of cellulose-to-ethylene glycol, including tungsten, tin, lanthanide, and other transition metal catalysts, and special attention is given to the reaction mechanism and kinetics for preparing ethylene glycol from cellulose, and the economic advantages of biomass-to-ethylene glycol are briefly introduced. The insights given in this review will facilitate further development of efficient catalysts, for addressing the global energy crisis and climate change related to the use of fossil fuels.