An interesting carrier: the excellent performance of Nb2O5 in biomass hydrogenation deoxygenation

Abstract

Nb2O5, as a metal oxide carrier, has abundant acidic sites, significant water stability, strong redox centres, and valuable oxygen vacancies for research and development. These characteristics give Nb2O5 a huge advantage in the process of biomass upgrading. Firstly, this article introduces the current research progress on biomass and its derivatives. Then, the structural properties, acidic properties, redox properties, and sources of oxygen vacancies of Nb2O5 were reviewed separately. Afterwards, through a specific process of upgrading biomass monomers, the main role of Nb2O5 as a carrier in this process was studied in detail, including reducing the activation energy of C-O bonds, generating a strong metal carrier effect with active metals, improving the stability of the catalyst, and achieving relatively good conversion results in aqueous phase. Afterwards, suitable modification strategies for Nb2O5 were summarized through comparative metal oxide modification cases. Finally, we summarized the challenges and prospects faced by Nb2O5 supported metal catalysts. This article will provide valuable insights into the development of advanced lignin green catalysts.