Unlocking overall electrolysis efficiency: pairing value-added reduction reactions with oxidative valorization of biomass-derived compounds

Abstract

Paired electrolysis provides a promising route for efficiently integrating value-added cathodic reduction with anodic oxidation reactions. This coupling strategy can boost energy efficiencies and concurrently yield valuable products from both half cells. Performance of paired electrolysis is largely dependent on electrode materials, of which recent advances have been achieved. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in paired electrolysis systems that integrate biomass molecules (e.g. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, glycerol and glucose) oxidation with high-value reduction reactions (hydrogen evolution, CO₂ reduction, nitrogen/nitrate reduction, and organic electrosynthesis reduction). Particularly, recent achievements of advanced materials of paired electrolysis systems are discussed, and their enhanced device performance is analyzed. Based on the elaboration for individual reaction pathway, electrocatalyst design, and co-electrolysis system construction, primary focus resides in the structure-activity relationships, catalytic mechanisms, and overall electrocatalytic efficiencies. After the critical analysis on current challenges of paired electrolysis, prospectives for future research and development are proposed.