Issue 32, 2024

Progress and perspectives on electrocatalytic transmembrane hydrogenation

Abstract

H2-free electrochemical hydrogenation of unsaturated organic compounds has garnered considerable attention as a low-carbon and efficient alternative to conventional thermocatalytic hydrogenation. However, in a traditional electrolytic cell, the compounds need to dissolve in the electrolyte before participating in the catalytic reactions, resulting in difficulties in enhancing the compounds' yield, as well as product separation and purification. A Pd membrane reactor offers a solution to these challenges by enabling the separation of a hydrogenation reaction into electrochemical and chemical processes. Here we summarize the processes of the Pd membrane reactor which drive the electrochemical hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds including gaseous reagents. We discuss various modification strategies for Pd catalysts, including the fabrication of Pd nanodendrites, incorporation of foreign metal layers, and formation of Pd alloys with other metals. These strategies aim to enhance catalytic activity by increasing the active area and fine-tuning reactant adsorption. We place significant emphasis on using this membrane reactor to hydrogenate unsaturated bonds, including C[double bond, length as m-dash]C, C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C, C[triple bond, length as m-dash]N, C[double bond, length as m-dash]O, and O[double bond, length as m-dash]O bonds and highlight distinct catalysts to enhance catalytic selectivity. Finally, we provide some perspectives on the challenges and outlook for other electrochemical hydrogenation reactions through the Pd membrane reactor.

Graphical abstract: Progress and perspectives on electrocatalytic transmembrane hydrogenation

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
14 May 2024
Accepted
01 Jul 2024
First published
02 Jul 2024

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20527-20541

Progress and perspectives on electrocatalytic transmembrane hydrogenation

X. Zhou, X. Yu, B. You and Y. Jing, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, 12, 20527 DOI: 10.1039/D4TA03345K

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