Green Chemistry

• The twelve principles applied to a real conversion route
• Atom economy, E-factor and process mass intensity as comparison metrics
• Solvent selection guides and the case against traditional organic solvents

Catalysis

• Heterogeneous, homogeneous and biocatalytic routes compared
• Zeolites, supported metals and solid acids and bases
• Deactivation by coking, leaching and poisoning, and regeneration strategies

Conversion

• HMF, furfural and levulinic acid as platform intermediates
• Transesterification for biodiesel and the catalyst options for it
• Pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction and bio-oil upgrading

Assessment

• Life cycle thinking applied to a biofuel pathway
• Energy return on investment and land use change effects
• Techno-economic analysis and the honest distance to commercial viability