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Electrocatalytic valorization of lignocellulose-derived aromatics at industrial-scale current densities

Author

Listed:
  • Tao Peng

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Wenbin Zhang

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Baiyao Liang

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Guanwu Lian

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Yun Zhang

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Wei Zhao

    (Shenzhen University)

Abstract

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of lignocellulosic bio-oil to value-added chemicals offers an attractive avenue to use the increasing intermittent renewable electricity and biomass-derived feedstocks. However, to date the partial current densities to target products of these reactions are lower than those needed for industrial-scale productivity, which limits its prospects. Here we report a flow-cell system equipped with a Rh diffusion electrode to hydrogenate lignocellulose-derived aromatic monomers, such as furans and lignin monomers, to value-added chemicals. We achieve high faradaic efficiencies up to 64% at industrial-scale current densities of 300–500 mA cm−2, representing high productivities to target products. A screening of electrocatalysts indicates that only by highly-electrolyte-permeable Rh diffusion electrodes are we able to unite current density with faradaic efficiency. We apply in-situ infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy to investigate the electrode-potential-dependent reaction pathways and intermediates, confirming a wide potential window for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation of lignocellulose-derived aromatics to target products.

Suggested Citation

  • Tao Peng & Wenbin Zhang & Baiyao Liang & Guanwu Lian & Yun Zhang & Wei Zhao, 2023. "Electrocatalytic valorization of lignocellulose-derived aromatics at industrial-scale current densities," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-43136-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43136-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kumar, R. & Strezov, V. & Weldekidan, H. & He, J. & Singh, S. & Kan, T. & Dastjerdi, B., 2020. "Lignocellulose biomass pyrolysis for bio-oil production: A review of biomass pre-treatment methods for production of drop-in fuels," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    2. Van Meerbeek, Koenraad & Muys, Bart & Hermy, Martin, 2019. "Lignocellulosic biomass for bioenergy beyond intensive cropland and forests," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 139-149.
    3. Qinglei Meng & Minqiang Hou & Huizhen Liu & Jinliang Song & Buxing Han, 2017. "Synthesis of ketones from biomass-derived feedstock," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, April.
    4. Wei Liu & Wenqin You & Wei Sun & Weisheng Yang & Akshay Korde & Yutao Gong & Yulin Deng, 2020. "Ambient-pressure and low-temperature upgrading of lignin bio-oil to hydrocarbons using a hydrogen buffer catalytic system," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 5(10), pages 759-767, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kai Shi & Di Si & Xue Teng & Lisong Chen & Jianlin Shi, 2024. "Pd/NiMoO4/NF electrocatalysts for the efficient and ultra-stable synthesis and electrolyte-assisted extraction of glycolate," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.

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