Materials based on graphene and its derivatives have a dual relationship with biomass: (i) they can be synthesized using biomass or its platform chemicals and (ii) they can be employed as efficient catalysts or supports for nanoparticulate catalysts for biomass conversion. In this review article we discuss methods of catalyst synthesis using top-down and bottom-up approaches as well as different synthetic pathways where all or some catalyst components are prefabricated or the whole catalyst is prepared in situ from small molecules. We identify key factors influencing the efficiency of the catalysts formed and suggest our perspective for the development of this field.

Here, a systematic study of magnetite nanoparticle (NP) formation in the presence of functional polyphenylenepyridyl dendrons and dendrimers of different generations and structures (such as focal groups, periphery and a combination of phenylene and pyridyl moieties) has been reported. For certain dendron/dendrimer concentrations and structures, well-dispersible, multi-core, flower-like crystals are formed which display ferrimagnetic-like behavior. It is noteworthy that the least complex second generation polyphenylenepyridyl dendrons with a carboxyl focal group already allow formation of flower-like crystals. Magnetically recoverable catalysts were obtained via Pd NP formation in the dendron/dendrimer shells of magnetite NP and tested in selective hydrogenation of dimethylethynylcarbinol to dimethylvinylcarbinol. Dependences of catalytic activity and selectivity on the dendron/dendrimer generation and structure, type of Pd species, and Pd NP size have been demonstrated. High selectivity and activity of these catalysts along with easy catalyst recovery and successful repeated use make them promising in catalytic hydrogenation.