Limited petroleum and gas resources and public debate on CO2 emissions - the main contributing factor to the greenhouse effect caused by human activities - are strongly pulling research in renewable energy carriers to replace the fossil energy carriers in the chemical industries. The initiative for developing sustainable processes based on renewable resources is a key milestone in the circular economy. In this direction, industries are now encouraged to initiate strategies for developing a circular economy. A smart, sustainable and inclusive growth strategy is the main platform of the moment. Biomass is the origin of circular economy and it has a large impact on the sustainability evaluation depending on the source and the way it is utilized. The CO2 released from biomass processing and biorefineries is reutilized in photosynthesis again to produce biomass, which is available in the form of lignocellulose, starch, oilseed, sugar crops, algae, etc. The common central theme in the strategy of the circular economy is to optimize the use of biomass by ensuring its application at each stage with the maximum possible value. In this context, catalysts play a vital role in the efficient utilization of biomass within the framework of a circular economy and help in balancing the carbon cycle to meet energy demand. Thus, the development of effective catalytic methodologies and processes will enable not only to utilize emitted CO2 and residual waste but also the application of biomass-derived precursors for the production of fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance materials.

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With this framework in mind, our group is extensively involved in the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanocatalysts in biomass/waste valorization.