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

Tao Peng, Wenbin Zhang, Baiyao Liang, Guanwu Lian, Yun Zhang and Wei Zhao ()
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Tao Peng: Shenzhen University
Wenbin Zhang: Shenzhen University
Baiyao Liang: Shenzhen University
Guanwu Lian: Shenzhen University
Yun Zhang: Shenzhen University
Wei Zhao: Shenzhen University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43136-y

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