Advantages and Limitations of Microwave Reactors: From Chemical Synthesis to the Catalytic Valorization of Biobased Chemicals

This critical review examines recent scientific and patent literature in the application of microwave reactors for catalytic transformation of biomass and biomass-derived molecules with a particular emphasis on heterogeneous catalysis. Several recent reports highlight dramatic reductions in reaction time and even superior selectivity when microwaves are used. However, there are still many controversies and unexplained effects in this area that deserve attention. We critically review the available sources attempting to establish trends and elucidate the actual status of this area of research. Additionally, where possible, we discuss the potential for scale-up and commercial utilization of microwaves and impediments that currently hold back their implementation. This critical review aims at highlighting the opportunity of combining catalysis with microwave technology for biomass conversion but also to stimulate the reader to generate future understanding of the influence of the microwaves in catalytic processes in general.