Catalysis in biofuel production and biomass valorization: Trends, challenges, and innovations through a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Biomass valorization and biofuel production are essential strategies for converting renewable organic materials into sustainable energy, addressing the urgent need for alternatives to fossil fuels. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1657 publications from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2010 to December 2024, revealing significant trends in this field. The number of published articles reached 318 in 2024, peaking at 163 articles in 2020, which garnered 7302 citations, indicating robust global interest. China leads the research landscape with 550 publications and 17,577 citations, followed by the United States with 160 publications and 9359 citations. Key journals include "ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering" and "Chemsuschem", highlighting important contributions to the field. The analysis identifies four clusters: the role of lignin and heterogeneous catalysis in biomass conversion; pyrolysis and waste valorization techniques; key chemical intermediates from biomass; and advanced reactions like hydrogenolysis for enhancing product value. The study emphasizes the need for innovative strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve biomass utilization and biofuel production. Future research should focus on developing integrated systems that promote a circular economy, optimize reaction conditions, and explore new biomass feedstocks. Overall, this research significantly advances the understanding of biomass conversion processes and supports the transition to renewable energy solutions, underscoring the critical role of biomass in achieving sustainability goals.