Bioenergy possesses the potential
to alleviate our energy demands
while maintaining renewability and carbon neutrality. The utilization
of abundant biomass sources for bioenergy production presents a significant
challenge. When considering chemical processes for conversion, the
development of effective catalysts becomes imperative as they play
a pivotal role in biomass-to-bioenergy/biofuel conversion. In such
scenarios, heterogeneous nanoporous materials emerge as crucial components
for facilitating catalytic conversion. This perspective provides a
comprehensive summary of biomass, including its classification, valorization
processes and applications along with recent advancements in various
catalytic systems utilized for transforming biomass and its intermediates
into renewable energy products. We delved into the diverse classes
of heterogeneous catalysts, including metal-based, metal oxide-based,
silica based, hybrid catalysts, and organic polymers, highlighting
their unique structural and compositional features that influence
catalytic activity and selectivity. Furthermore, we discussed the
importance of pore structure, surface area, and active site accessibility
in enhancing catalytic performance. By examining the advantages and
limitations of different catalysts, we provide insights into the rational
design and optimization of porous heterogeneous catalysts for efficient
and sustainable bioenergy conversion. This perspective serves as a
valuable resource for researchers and engineers in the field of renewable
energy, seeking to develop innovative catalyst materials for biomass
valorization.