Special Issue on Rare Earth Catalysis for High-Value and Green Conversion of Biomass

Introduction:

The global transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon bioeconomy has placed biomass valorization at the forefront of energy and chemical research. Rare earth elements, often referred to as the "industrial vitamins" of catalysis, exhibit unique 4f electronic structures, abundant oxygen vacancies, exceptional redox properties, and tunable acid–base characteristics. These features endow rare earth-based catalysts with advantages in activating and converting complex biomass feedstocks under mild and energy-efficient conditions. From rare earth-modified mineral catalysts for biomass gasification to rare earth oxide catalysts for biodiesel production and cellulose-to-HMF conversion, rare earth catalysis is emerging as a driver for the efficient, low-carbon, and high-value utilization of renewable carbon resources.

A dedicated platform that specifically bridges the fields of rare earth catalysis and biomass conversion remains notably absent. To address this gap, Green Carbon is launching a Special Issue on "Rare Earth Catalysis for Directional High-Value Conversion of Biomass." This issue focuses on the design, synthesis, mechanistic understanding, and industrial application of rare earth-based catalytic systems for biomass conversion. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Rare earth-modified catalysts for biomass thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction);
• Rare earth catalysis for the conversion of biomass-derived platform molecules (HMF, furfural, levulinic acid, etc.);
• Rare earth oxide catalysts for biodiesel synthesis and glycerol valorization, novel rare earth-based catalytic materials (RE-MOFs, single-atom catalysts, heteropolyacid clusters); and
• Mechanistic studies via theoretical calculations and in situ characterizations, and industrial-scale demonstration and life-cycle assessment of rare earth catalytic processes.

We invite high-quality original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that advance the fundamental understanding and practical application of rare earth catalysis in biomass conversion, with an emphasis on green chemistry principles, carbon footprint reduction, and alignment with major national needs. By bringing together leading contributions from the rare earth catalysis and biomass conversion communities, this Special Issue aims to serve as a critical reference for accelerating the deployment of sustainable biomass valorization technologies and fostering interdisciplinary innovation in green carbon science.

Topics Covered:

1. Rare earth catalysts for thermochemical conversion of biomass (pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction)

2. Rare earth catalysis for upgrading biomass-derived platform molecules (HMF, furfural, levulinic acid, etc.)

3. Rare earth oxide and composite catalysts for biodiesel and glycerol valorization

4. Novel rare earth-based catalytic materials (RE-MOFs, single-atom catalysts, heteropolyacids)

5. Mechanistic insights via theory and in situ characterization (DFT calculations, operando spectroscopy)

6. Industrial-scale demonstration, life-cycle assessment, and green process integration

Important Deadline: 

Submission deadline: Feb 2027

Submission Instructions: 

The issue accepts articles with research articles, reviews, and perspectives. The papers included in the special issue will go through the journal's standard peer review process. Please read the [Guide for Authors] before submitting. All articles should be [submitted online], please select [VSI: Rare Earth Catalysis for High-Value and Green Conversion of Biomass] on submission.  

Guest Editors: