Recent Progress on Electrocatalytic Valorization of Biomass-Derived Organics

Electrocatalytic valorization of biomass derivatives can be powered by electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. A shift from centralized, high-temperature, and energy-intensive processes to decentralized, low-temperature conversions is achieved, which meets the requirement of sustainable energy generation. This approach provides an efficient, green, and additive-free strategy for biomass derivative valorization, in which product selectivity could be easily regulated by the applied potential and electrocatalyst utilized. However, a scale-up application is still far from being completed due to the inability of conversion rates and selectivity to meet the industrialization requirements. A better understanding of the reaction mechanism and the development of high-efficiency and high-selectivity electrocatalysts are required to pave the path toward larger industrialization applications. Herein, we summarize the recent research progress in the electrocatalytic oxidation and hydrogenation of platform compounds such as furanic compounds and glycerol. In the literature, these three research areas are integrated to realize the scale-up application of the processes as mentioned above. The investigations of the mechanism are based on in situ techniques, theoretical calculations, and advanced electrocatalyst studies. Finally, the challenges and prospects in this topic are described. We expect that this review will provide the fundamental understanding and design guidelines to achieve efficient and high-selectivity catalysts and further facilitate the scale-up application of the electrocatalytic conversion of biomass derivatives.

Automated summary

Electrocatalytic valorization of biomass derivatives is achieved through renewable energy sources, enabling a shift from centralized and energy-intensive processes to decentralized and low-temperature conversions. This approach offers an efficient, green, and additive-free strategy with tunable product selectivity. However, the scale-up application is hindered by challenges in conversion rates and selectivity. Further research on reaction mechanisms and development of efficient and selective electrocatalysts are needed to facilitate larger industrialization applications.