Recent advances in organic electrosynthesis using heterogeneous catalysts modified electrodes

Organic electrosynthesis as an emerging green and advantageous alternative to traditional synthetic methods has achieved remarkable progress in recent years because sustainable electricity can be em-ployed as traceless redox agents. To surmount the over-oxidation/reduction issues of direct electrolysis, mediated or indirect electrochemical processes are attaining remarkable significance and promoting the selectivity of products. Molecular electrocatalysts, benefiting from the easily electronic and steric mod-ulation, suffers from readily degradation issue in most cases. Remarkably, heterogeneous catalysts have drawn more attention due to their high activity, stability, and recyclability. Hence, in this review, the most recent growth of heterogeneous catalysts modified electrodes for organic electrosynthesis were summa-rized, highlighting structural optimization and electrochemical performance of these materials as well as reaction mechanism. Furthermore, key challenges and future directions in this area were also discussed. (c) 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

Organic electrosynthesis, as a green and advantageous alternative to traditional synthetic methods, has made remarkable progress in recent years by using sustainable electricity as traceless redox agents. To overcome the issues of over-oxidation/reduction in direct electrolysis, mediated or indirect electrochemical processes have become increasingly important and have improved product selectivity. Heterogeneous catalysts, with their high activity, stability, and recyclability, have received more attention compared to molecular electrocatalysts. In this review, the recent progress in heterogeneous catalysts modified electrodes for organic electrosynthesis is summarized, focusing on structural optimization, electrochemical performance, and reaction mechanisms. Key challenges and future directions in this field are also discussed.