Sustainable Clay Based Nanocomposites for Biomass Valorization

Within the broader context of sustainability, increasing attention has been directed toward addressing key challenges in contemporary environmental and chem-ical systems. In this perspective, particular emphasis is placed on the valorization of biomass-derived platform molecules and the development of sustainable catalyticand material-based approaches.This study focuses on furfural and its key derivatives, especially 5-hydroxymeth-ylfurfural (HMF) and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which represent central intermediates in the conversion of renewable resources into high-value chemicals. In parallel, natural clay minerals are investigated as versatile and sustainable supports for surface modification and functionalization, providing a green and abundant alternative to conventional catalytic or structural materials.The research strategy integrates theoretical and experimental approaches. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to gain molecular-level in-sight into the interactions governing the investigated systems, while experimentalwork includes the synthesis and characterization of functional materials and catalytic systems.The results obtained provide a solid foundation for future investigations. In par-ticular, a novel catalytic system potentially applicable to the conversion of HMF intoFDCA was explored. In parallel, a system aimed at the valorization of furfural into high-value materials was investigated. Furthermore, the development of a dynamicoil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) Pickering emulsion system was achieved, with potential applications in catalysis and waste treatment processes.Overall, this thesis contributes to the advancement of sustainable chemical strategies by combining biomass valorization, clay-based functional materials, and integrated theoretical–experimental methodologies.