Voltage cycling process for the electroconversion of biomass-derived polyols

Electrification of chemical reactions is crucial to fundamentally transform our society that is still heavily dependent on fossil resources and unsustainable practices. In addition, electrochemistry-based approaches offer a unique way of catalyzing reactions by the fast and continuous alteration of applied potentials, unlike traditional thermal processes. Here, we show how the continuous cyclic application of electrode potential allows Pt nanoparticles to electrooxidize biomass-derived polyols with turnover frequency improved by orders of magnitude compared with the usual rates at fixed potential conditions. Moreover, secondary alcohol oxidation is enhanced, with a ketoses-to-aldoses ratio increased up to sixfold. The idea has been translated into the construction of a symmetric single compartment system in a two-electrode configuration. Its operation via voltage cycling demonstrates high-rate sorbitol electrolysis with the formation of H-2 as a desired coproduct at operating voltages below 1.4 V. The devised method presents a potential approach to using renewable electricity to drive chemical processes.

Automated summary

Electrically-driven chemical reactions, facilitated by voltage cycling and Pt nanoparticles, show significantly improved efficiency in electrooxidizing biomass-derived polyols and enhancing secondary alcohol oxidation. The method, demonstrated in a symmetric single compartment system, presents a potential approach to utilizing renewable electricity to drive chemical processes.