Lignocellulosic biomass in electrochemical energy conversion and value-added chemicals production

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass, as an abundant and renewable carbon resource, holds great promise for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing the transition toward sustainable energy systems. However, its highly cross-linked architecture and complex chemical composition present significant challenges to efficient energy conversion and value-added utilization. In recent years, the rapid progress of electrochemical technologies has opened new pathways for the conversion and valorization of lignocellulose. For example, fuel cells enable the direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-quality energy carriers, such as electricity and hydrogen; nevertheless, issues such as CO₂ emissions, limited conversion efficiency, and low overall energy utilization remain. In contrast, electrocatalytic technology offers precise control over reaction kinetics and product selectivity, enabling the efficient conversion of lignocellulose-derived compounds into value-added chemicals and overcoming the inherent limitations of conventional thermochemical and biochemical routes. Within this context, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the electrochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, highlights the key challenges impeding its practical application, and discusses future perspectives for achieving efficient and sustainable biomass conversion.