Bio Chemicals

by Marcel Schlaf (Editor), Z. Conrad Zhang (Editor)
Discusses the structure of lignocellulosic biomass and the mechanisms and pathways of cellulose depolymerization by solid acid and metal-based catalysts
Provides an overview of the use of heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of cellulose and sugar (derivatives) to value-added products by acid/base, hydrogenolysis and oxidation reactions
Focuses on 2nd generation biofuels and specific target chemicals derived from biomass

In this book, Kean Birch analyses the co-construction of markets and natures in the emerging bio-economy as a policy response to global environmental change. The bio-economy is an economic system characterized by the use of plants and other biological materials rather than fossil fuels to produce energy, chemicals, and societal goods. Over the last decade or so, numerous countries around the world have developed bio-economy strategies as a potential transition pathway to a low-carbon future. Whether this is achievable or not remains an open question, one which this book seeks to answer. In addressing this question, Kean Birch draws on over ten years of research on the bio-economy around the world, but especially in North America. He examines what kinds of markets and natures are being imagined and constructed in the pursuit of the bio-economy, and problematizes the idea that this is being driven by neoliberalism and the neoliberalization of nature(s).