Electrochemical conversion of biomass-derived aldehydes into fine chemicals and hydrogen: A review

• Published in: Environmental chemistry letters Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 1555 - 1583
• Main Authors: Theerthagiri, Jayaraman, Karuppasamy, K., Park, Juhyeon, Rahamathulla, Nihila, Kumari, M. L. Aruna, Souza, Marciélli K. R., Cardoso, Eduardo S. F., Murthy, Arun Prasad, Maia, Gilberto, Kim, Hyun-Seok, Choi, Myong Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-06-2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aldehydes; Analytical Chemistry; Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; Biomass; Biomass burning; Carbon dioxide; Catalysis; Catalysts; Chemicals; Chemistry; Conversion; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Electrochemical oxidation; Electrochemistry; Electrolysis; Energy; Energy demand; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Fine chemicals; Fossil fuels; Furfural; Geochemistry; Hybrid systems; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Hydrogenation; Hydroxymethylfurfural; Lignocellulose; Metal oxides; Metals; Nanoalloys; Nanoparticles; Noble metals; Organic chemicals; Oxidation; Pollution; Raw materials; ReviewPaper; Transition metal alloys; Transition metals; Furfural; Value-added chemicals; 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural; Hybrid water electrolyzer; Biomass-derived aldehydes; Electrochemical oxidization; Hydrogen fuel; Hydrogenation
• ISSN: 1610-3653; 1610-3661
• DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01543-5

The decrease in fossil fuel usage and the projected 28% increase in the global energy demand by 2040 are calling for advanced methods to convert modern biomass into fine chemicals. For instance, biomass-derived aldehydes appear as promising substitutes for the chemical and fuel industries. Here, we review electrochemical upgrading of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural with a focus on catalysis and selectivity mechanisms. We also present hybrid water electrolysis systems for production of hydrogen and chemicals. We discuss electrochemical oxidation or hydrogenation of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using metal oxides, noble metals, transition metal nanoparticles and alloys, and nonoxides. We compare electrochemical processes with combustion, chemical, thermochemical, and biochemical processes for biomass conversion.