Dear Colleagues,

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are unique complex metal oxides with outstanding properties and remarkable applications. They are solid superacids that exhibit pseudo-liquid phase behavior and are capable of replacing mineral acids for plant utility. As solid acid catalysts, they can enable numerous catalytic transformations, including hydrolysis, dehydration, esterification, etherification, alkylation, acylation, polymerization, etc. Japanese researchers, in particular, Professor Toshio Okuhara and Professor Mokoto Misono, exposed the hidden features of these astounding mixed metal oxides. Russian scientists, including Professor I. V. Kozehvnikov, made remarkable contributions to the field of catalysis using POMs. Isreali scientists, such as Professor Ronney Neumann and Professor Aharon Gedanken, are now exploiting the potential of these catalysts for environmental and climate change mitigation by producing biofuels. Nevertheless, much remains yet to be explored.  For instance, there is currently a paradigm shift from fossil-based resources to biobased resources at refineries or upcoming biorefinery facilities. In this context, many breakthroughs are expected in the catalytic application of polyoxometalates, also called heteropoly acids, towards the conversion of biomass to biofertilizers, biochemical, biofuels and biomaterials. Polyoxometalates, especially those belonging to the Keggin-type class, have been studied in depth and exploited.  Other classes of polyoxometalates, including Dawson-type, Anderson-type and others, are underutilized.  Likewise, W- and Mo-containing polyoxometalates have been studied in detail for their catalytic role. Much remains to be researched regarding the substitution of these addenda atoms with other possible transition metal species, such V, as a consequence of which many redox reactions can be achieved under modest reaction conditions analogous to those carried out by biological systems (for example, enzymes).  With these new ideas in mind, the Editors of this Special Issue venture into the unknown by launching this Special Issue, entitled “Polyoxometalates (POMs) as catalysts for biomass conversion.”

Dr. Indra Neel Pulidindi
Prof. Dr. Thirukkallam Kanthadai Varadarajan
Prof. Dr. Balasubramanian Viswanathan
Guest Editors

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• polyoxometalates
• heteropolyacids
• biomass
• biofuels
• biomaterials
• biochemicals
• biofertilizers
• catalysis
• biocatalysis
• electrocatalysis
• synthesis
• properties
• applications