Lignin valorization toward value-added chemicals and fuels via electrocatalysis: A perspective

Developing efficient approaches for lignin upgrading is of interest for the industrial production of chemicals and fuels from renewable biomass. Electrocatalytic lignin upgrading powered by renewable electricity operating under gentle conditions (at or near ambient pressures and temperatures) enables a decentralized production of chemicals and fuels. Herein, we will cover the structures of lignin and review the recent advances in the electrocatalytic lignin upgrade, the electrocatalytic depolymerization of lignin, and the electrocatalytic upgrading of lignin monomers to value-added chemicals and fuels. Finally, we provide insights into the main challenges and future perspectives of this field. (C) 2021, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Electrocatalytic lignin upgrading powered by renewable electricity enables decentralized production of chemicals and fuels under gentle conditions. This field faces challenges but has promising future prospects.