Selective catalytic transformations of non-edible carbohydrates

Summary

Non-edible sugars that are left over from agriculture are sustainable alternative raw materials for making chemicals and materials. Products that are still mainly made from fossil oil. This thesis is about the conversion of these sugars into useful products, such as building blocks for bioplastics. The research focuses on the use of catalysts. A catalyst ensures that the conversion takes place faster and more selectively, without being consumed. This study into the interactions between the catalyst and the sugars contributes to carrying out reactions even more efficiently and with less energy consumption.