Biomass conversion by a solid acid catalyst

Amorphous carbon bearing sulfonic acid groups, a new type of solid Brønsted acid catalyst, was investigated for potential application to environmentally benign biodiesel production and cellulose saccharification. The carbon material exhibits much higher catalytic performance for the esterification of higher fatty acids, transesterification of triglycerides and the hydrolysis of cellulose than conventional solid acid catalysts. Amorphous carbon bearing SO 3 H groups function as an efficient and environmentally benign catalyst for biodiesel production and cellulose saccharification.