Themed collection Advances in Electrosynthesis for a Greener Chemical Industry

66 items
Open Access Editorial

Advances in electrosynthesis for a greener chemical industry

This themed collection gathers together articles on advances in electrosynthesis for a greener chemical industry.

Graphical abstract: Advances in electrosynthesis for a greener chemical industry
Perspective

Electrochemical nitration for organic C–N bond formation: a current view on possible N-sources, mechanisms, and technological feasibility

Rethinking nitration: sustainable electrochemical C-N functionalization. This work reviews diverse inorganic nitrogen sources for fine chemical production, with a perspective on innovative pathways to harness alternative nitrogen sources' potential.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical nitration for organic C–N bond formation: a current view on possible N-sources, mechanisms, and technological feasibility
Open Access Perspective

Using earth abundant materials for long duration energy storage: electro-chemical and thermo-chemical cycling of bicarbonate/formate

The HCO3-HCO2 cycle, where aqueous solutions of formate salts are hydrogen and energy carriers, offers the opportunity of combining electrochemical and thermochemical operations, and of coupling CO2 capture with energy/hydrogen storage.

Graphical abstract: Using earth abundant materials for long duration energy storage: electro-chemical and thermo-chemical cycling of bicarbonate/formate
Open Access Tutorial Review

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters as catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Electrochemical CO2 reduction using metal nanoclusters has attracted much attention because it can convert CO2 into several organic compounds using renewable energy sources.

Graphical abstract: Atomically precise metal nanoclusters as catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Tutorial Review

Sacrifice and valorization of biomass to realize energy exploitation and transformation in a photoelectrochemical way

The mechanism, substrate transformation, photoelectrodes, and configurations of photoelectrochemistry (PEC) of biomass are reviewed, different from PEC water splitting, photocatalysis, or electrocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Sacrifice and valorization of biomass to realize energy exploitation and transformation in a photoelectrochemical way
Tutorial Review

2D layered materials: structures, synthesis, and electrocatalytic applications

We review the synthesis, structure and electrochemical applications of 2D nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on the relationship between their structure and catalytic activity.

Graphical abstract: 2D layered materials: structures, synthesis, and electrocatalytic applications
Tutorial Review

Waste to wealth: direct utilization of spent materials for electrocatalysis and energy storage

We summarize the direct utilization of versatile waste sources in various electrocatalysis and energy storage systems in view of synthetic strategies, structural properties, electrochemical performance and the challenges and prospects.

Graphical abstract: Waste to wealth: direct utilization of spent materials for electrocatalysis and energy storage
Tutorial Review

Designing electrocatalysts for seawater splitting: surface/interface engineering toward enhanced electrocatalytic performance

Schematic illustration of interface/surface engineering strategies with various effective approaches for high-performance HER/OER electrocatalysts in seawater.

Graphical abstract: Designing electrocatalysts for seawater splitting: surface/interface engineering toward enhanced electrocatalytic performance
Open Access Critical Review

Making chemicals from the air: the new frontier for hybrid electrosyntheses in artificial tree-like devices

The production of fertilisers and food components (carbohydrates, proteins) from the air in artificial-tree-like devices is analysed, focusing on electrosynthesis.

Graphical abstract: Making chemicals from the air: the new frontier for hybrid electrosyntheses in artificial tree-like devices
From the themed collection: 2024 Green Chemistry Reviews
Critical Review

Advanced research and prospects on polymer ionic liquids: trends, potential and application

Polymer chains endow PILs with unique aggregation structures and morphologies that are inaccessible to monomeric ILs, making them a sustainable material and allowing them to be used in various applications.

Graphical abstract: Advanced research and prospects on polymer ionic liquids: trends, potential and application
Critical Review

Electrocatalytic upcycling of plastic waste

The electrochemical upcycling of plastic waste offers a more efficient and safer means to produce value-added products under mild conditions.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalytic upcycling of plastic waste
Critical Review

The design of alternative anodic reactions paired with electrochemical CO2 reduction

A schematic diagram of a coupled electrolysis system of alternative anodic reactions and CO2RR.

Graphical abstract: The design of alternative anodic reactions paired with electrochemical CO2 reduction
Critical Review

Renewable lignin and its macromolecule derivatives: an emerging platform toward sustainable electrochemical energy storage

This review overviews recent advances of the utilization of lignin-based/-derived macromolecules as key components of electrochemical energy storage devices. An outlook on future directions in this rapidly developing field is also envisioned.

Graphical abstract: Renewable lignin and its macromolecule derivatives: an emerging platform toward sustainable electrochemical energy storage
Communication

A rapid electrochemical method to recycle carbon fiber composites using methyl radicals

We report an electrochemical system for selective deconstruction and re-manufacture of epoxy-carbon fiber composite using a Kolbe-like mechanism for generating methyl radicals from CH3COOH. These cleave C–N bonds via hydrogen atom abstraction.

Graphical abstract: A rapid electrochemical method to recycle carbon fiber composites using methyl radicals
From the themed collection: Sustainable Composites
Communication

From screening to the hectogram scale: sustainable electrochemical synthesis of mefenpyr-diethyl

A solvent-controlled electrochemical method for the preparation of commercial herbicide safener mefenpyr-diethyl is established, demonstrating its application potential from screening to hectogram scale.

Graphical abstract: From screening to the hectogram scale: sustainable electrochemical synthesis of mefenpyr-diethyl
Communication

Selective electro-reforming of waste polyethylene terephthalate-derived ethylene glycol into C2 chemicals with long-term stability

We present an approach based on segregation-less Pd1Ag1 alloy nanoparticles (NPs) for the electro-reforming of waste PET into glycolate C2 products with high selectivity (97%) and long-term stability (>500 h).

Graphical abstract: Selective electro-reforming of waste polyethylene terephthalate-derived ethylene glycol into C2 chemicals with long-term stability
Communication

High efficiency coupled electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to C2H4 with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation over Cu-based nanoflower electrocatalysts

CO2 electroreduction and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural electrooxidation were coupled together over Cu base nanoflower catalyst and faradaic efficiency of FDCA and C2H4 reached to 96.6% and 74.5% respectively at a cell voltage of 2.75 V.

Graphical abstract: High efficiency coupled electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to C2H4 with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation over Cu-based nanoflower electrocatalysts
Open Access Communication

Integrated electrosynthesis and biosynthesis for the production of adipic acid from lignin-derived phenols

We show that adipic acid (AA), a major building block for polyamides like Nylon-6,6, can be synthesized from lignin-derived feedstock by combining electrochemical hydrogenation with biotransformation.

Graphical abstract: Integrated electrosynthesis and biosynthesis for the production of adipic acid from lignin-derived phenols
Open Access Communication

Stabilization of alkaline 5-HMF electrolytes via Cannizzaro reaction for the electrochemical oxidation to FDCA

This work investigates the degradation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in an alkaline electrolyte, enabling “indirect” electrooxidation of HMF at unprecedentedly high substrate and base concentrations at improved atom economy.

Graphical abstract: Stabilization of alkaline 5-HMF electrolytes via Cannizzaro reaction for the electrochemical oxidation to FDCA
Communication

Highly active conversion of CO2 to CO on AuCuB materials

AuCuB-400 exhibited superior FECO. Operando electrochemical Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations revealed that incorporating B could tune the electronic structure of AuCu to promote the adsorption of CO intermediates, thus facilitating the conversion of CO2 to CO.

Graphical abstract: Highly active conversion of CO2 to CO on AuCuB materials
Communication

Identifying the optimal oxidation state of Cu for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products

The optimal Cu oxidation state during CO2 reduction is stabilized and identified by applying a pulsed potential, which shows a C2+ FE of 70.3% with a current density of 24.1 mA cm−2 in an H-type cell.

Graphical abstract: Identifying the optimal oxidation state of Cu for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products
Open Access Paper

Structure sensitivity of the electrochemical hydrogenation of cis,cis-muconic acid to hexenedioic acid and adipic acid

The electrochemical hydrogenation of cis,cis-muconic acid yields adipic acid on palladium terrace sites, while unsaturated hexenedioic acids are formed on undercoordinated step sites.

Graphical abstract: Structure sensitivity of the electrochemical hydrogenation of cis,cis-muconic acid to hexenedioic acid and adipic acid
Open Access Paper

Rhombohedral ZnIn2S4-catalysed anodic direct electrochemical oxidative cleavage of C–O bond in α-O-4 linkages in ambient conditions

The electrochemical selective oxidative transformation of lignin feedstocks into valuable oxygenated aromatics is essential to establish a sustainable biorefinery.

Graphical abstract: Rhombohedral ZnIn2S4-catalysed anodic direct electrochemical oxidative cleavage of C–O bond in α-O-4 linkages in ambient conditions
Paper

Efficient lignin depolymerization by continuous flow microreactor-assisted electrochemical advanced oxidation in water/co-solvent system

The employment of EAOP using a continuous flow microreactor for efficient lignin depolymerization under ambient conditions.

Graphical abstract: Efficient lignin depolymerization by continuous flow microreactor-assisted electrochemical advanced oxidation in water/co-solvent system
Paper

Tailoring metal–support interaction over faceted TiO2 and copper nanoparticles for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia

Copper nanoparticles deposited on the surface of TiO2 with dominant (101) facet exposure show an exaggerated enhancement in ammonia production compared to the TiO2 with dominant (001) facet exposure.

Graphical abstract: Tailoring metal–support interaction over faceted TiO2 and copper nanoparticles for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia
Open Access Paper

Local reactivity descriptors to decipher the electrochemical hydrogenation of unsaturated carboxylic acids

We explain the intricate interplay between electronic properties and reactivity during the electrochemical hydrogenation of biobased unsaturated (di)acids under acidic and neutral conditions.

Graphical abstract: Local reactivity descriptors to decipher the electrochemical hydrogenation of unsaturated carboxylic acids
Open Access Paper

Fluorescent carbon dots from birch leaves for sustainable electroluminescent devices

A mild solvothermal synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from birch leaves is reported. The CDs feature a high quantum yield of 26% in ethanol, and deliver deep-red, narrowband emission (λpeak = 675 nm, FWHM = 29 nm) in a light-emitting device.

Graphical abstract: Fluorescent carbon dots from birch leaves for sustainable electroluminescent devices
Paper

Mechanistic investigation of a Ni-catalyzed electrochemical reductive cleavage of the α-O-4 bond in the lignin model compound benzyl phenyl ether

The electrochemical reductive cleavage of the C–O bond in the lignin α-O-4 model compound benzyl phenyl ether (BPE) at room temperature was investigated using earth-abundant nickel as a catalyst in methanol.

Graphical abstract: Mechanistic investigation of a Ni-catalyzed electrochemical reductive cleavage of the α-O-4 bond in the lignin model compound benzyl phenyl ether
Paper

Molecular transformation and metabolic insights of microbial electrolysis treatment and valorization of post-hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater

Microbial electrochemical cells can effectively treat post-hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater with the synergistic metabolism of fermentative bacteria and electroactive bacteria while producing H2 for biocrude upgrading.

Graphical abstract: Molecular transformation and metabolic insights of microbial electrolysis treatment and valorization of post-hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater
Open Access Paper

Water-soluble nickel and iron salts for hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and water oxidation: the simplest precatalysts?

We report on a rapid, green, and cost-effective fabrication of nickel(-iron) oxyhydroxides by drop-coating and reconstructing water-soluble nitrate precursors, and their application for the OER and the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).

Graphical abstract: Water-soluble nickel and iron salts for hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and water oxidation: the simplest precatalysts?
Paper

Speciation of potential-dependent fouling on copper foil electrodes during electrochemical hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of furfural in strong acid

Electrode fouling can occur during furfural electroreduction to desired polymer intermediates and fuel additives in acidic electrolytes. The fouled material speciation is potential-dependent and can be mitigated by using lower concentrations of furfural.

Graphical abstract: Speciation of potential-dependent fouling on copper foil electrodes during electrochemical hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of furfural in strong acid
Paper

In situ transformation of Co-MOF nanorods into Co3S4/Ni3S2 nanotube arrays for electrochemical biomass upgrading

The in situ transformation of one-dimensional (1D) Co-based metal–organic framework (Co-MOF) precursors into Co3S4/Ni3S2 nanotube arrays on nickel foam (NF) was realized by ion exchange and synchronous etching via solvothermal sulfurization.

Graphical abstract: In situ transformation of Co-MOF nanorods into Co3S4/Ni3S2 nanotube arrays for electrochemical biomass upgrading
Paper

Facet-dependent electrocatalytic oxidation activity of Co3O4 nanocrystals for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Metal oxide catalysts’ performance depends on the surface arrangement and coordination of metal cations and oxygen anions on the exposed facets. The primary factor is the difference in HMF adsorption energy on various crystal facets.

Graphical abstract: Facet-dependent electrocatalytic oxidation activity of Co3O4 nanocrystals for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Paper

Electrochemical synthesis of γ-keto sulfones containing a β-quaternary carbon center via 1,2-migration

An electrochemical method has been developed for the synthesis of γ-keto sulfones with a β-quaternary carbon center through 1,2-C migration mediated by sulfonyl under metal- and oxidant-free conditions.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical synthesis of γ-keto sulfones containing a β-quaternary carbon center via 1,2-migration
Open Access Paper

CO2 flow electrolysis – limiting impact of heat and gas evolution in the electrolyte gap on current density

This study investigates the effects of high current density CO2 electrolysis on the operation of GDE flow cells. It reports a new method of identifying windows of steady-state operation, complementing GDE optimization from a system-perspective.

Graphical abstract: CO2 flow electrolysis – limiting impact of heat and gas evolution in the electrolyte gap on current density
Paper

Stabilizing Cu0–Cu+ sites by Pb-doping for highly efficient CO2 electroreduction to C2 products

A Pb-doped Cu2O electrocatalyst is designed for highly efficient CO2 reduction to C2 products, which shows a C2+ FE of 83.9%. Pb can stabilize Cu+ and reduce the reaction energy barrier, thereby improving the catalytic performance.

Graphical abstract: Stabilizing Cu0–Cu+ sites by Pb-doping for highly efficient CO2 electroreduction to C2 products
Paper

Efficient algal lipid extraction via a green bio-electro-Fenton process and its conversion into biofuel and bioelectricity with concurrent wastewater treatment in a photosynthetic microbial fuel cell

Algal biofuel production via a green bio-electro-Fenton process is a promising alternative to meet global energy demand.

Graphical abstract: Efficient algal lipid extraction via a green bio-electro-Fenton process and its conversion into biofuel and bioelectricity with concurrent wastewater treatment in a photosynthetic microbial fuel cell
Paper

A CoOxHy/β-NiOOH electrocatalyst for robust ammonia oxidation to nitrite and nitrate

In this work, we describe a composite electrocatalyst for the electrooxidation of ammonia to nitrite and nitrate under ambient conditions as a step towards stable, practical materials for this process.

Graphical abstract: A CoOxHy/β-NiOOH electrocatalyst for robust ammonia oxidation to nitrite and nitrate
Paper

An efficient, green, and residual oxidant-free wastewater treatment technique enabled by coupling a dual-cathode heterogeneous electro-Fenton process and UV radiation in tandem

We present a green and robust wastewater treatment process that can eliminate the risk of oxidant residue while improving the decontamination efficiency by coupling dual-cathode heterogeneous electro-Fenton and UV radiation in tandem.

Graphical abstract: An efficient, green, and residual oxidant-free wastewater treatment technique enabled by coupling a dual-cathode heterogeneous electro-Fenton process and UV radiation in tandem
Paper

Electrochemical transformation of D,L-glutamic acid into acrylonitrile

We present a new route for the electrochemical synthesis of green acrylonitrile using the biogenic amino acid D,L-glutamic acid as a substrate by utilising electro-oxidative decarboxylation and non-Kolbe electrolysis.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical transformation of d,l-glutamic acid into acrylonitrile
Open Access Paper

Metal deposition and electrocatalysis for elucidating structural changes of gold electrodes during cathodic corrosion

This work provides deep insights into the structural changes likely to occur at cathodes under highly reducing conditions, such as HER, CO2, and N2 reduction, as well as cathodic electro-conversion in various (organic) electrosynthesis reactions.

Graphical abstract: Metal deposition and electrocatalysis for elucidating structural changes of gold electrodes during cathodic corrosion
Paper

Electrosynthesis of N,N-dimethylformamide from market-surplus trimethylamine coupled with hydrogen production

We report an electrochemical oxidation strategy to synthesize DMF directly from market-surplus trimethylamine and couple it with hydrogen production. The reaction was achieved in an aqueous medium without any mediator using water as the oxidant.

Graphical abstract: Electrosynthesis of N,N-dimethylformamide from market-surplus trimethylamine coupled with hydrogen production
Paper

Defective nickel sulfide hierarchical structures for efficient electrochemical conversion of plastic waste to value-added chemicals and hydrogen fuel

Hierarchical defective nickel sulfide catalysts enable efficient electro-upcycling of plastic waste to value-added chemicals and hydrogen fuel.

Graphical abstract: Defective nickel sulfide hierarchical structures for efficient electrochemical conversion of plastic waste to value-added chemicals and hydrogen fuel
Paper

Electrocatalysis as an efficient alternative to thermal catalysis over PtRu bimetallic catalysts for hydrogenation of benzoic acid derivatives

PtRu bimetallic nanoclusters electrodeposited on carbon paper catalysts show highly efficient and uniquely selective electrocatalytic hydrogenation of aromatic rings in benzoic acid derivatives under mild and environmentally-friendly conditions.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalysis as an efficient alternative to thermal catalysis over PtRu bimetallic catalysts for hydrogenation of benzoic acid derivatives
Open Access Paper

Benzylic C–H arylation with dicyanoarenes via convergent paired electrolysis

We describe the convergent paired electrolysis of methylarene derivatives and 1,4-dicyanoarenes to perform the arylative functionalization of a benzylic C(sp3)–H bond to form 1,1-biarylmethane derivatives.

Graphical abstract: Benzylic C–H arylation with dicyanoarenes via convergent paired electrolysis
Paper

A novel tandem reactor design based on nano-Cu electrocatalysts and microbial biocatalysts for converting CO2 into ethylene and acetate

An electron-bio tandem reactor is assembled with Cu catalysts and microorganisms. Ethylene is produced in the gas phase, and the byproducts such as HCOOH, CO, and H2 can be recycled as electron donors for acetate biosynthesis via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway.

Graphical abstract: A novel tandem reactor design based on nano-Cu electrocatalysts and microbial biocatalysts for converting CO2 into ethylene and acetate
Paper

Bipotentiostatic tandem electrocatalysis of the CO2 reduction reaction yielding C2+ fuels

In the Cu–Ag bipotentiostatic CO2RR, C2+ selectivity was improved to 67.3%, including a 6.5% efficiency towards 1-propanol. The system-controlled CO delivery allowed the determination of the C–C coupling turnover frequency of 0.43 ± 0.06 s−1.

Graphical abstract: Bipotentiostatic tandem electrocatalysis of the CO2 reduction reaction yielding C2+ fuels
Paper

Investigating the electrocatalytic reduction of 2,4,6-tri-nitro-toluene (TNT) using density functional theory methods

TNT electro-reduction catalysts can be optimized by tuning O* affinity. A partially reduced Fe2O3 (0001) surface may deviate from late transition metal scaling behavior, expanding the design space for TNT reduction electrocatalysts.

Graphical abstract: Investigating the electrocatalytic reduction of 2,4,6-tri-nitro-toluene (TNT) using density functional theory methods
Paper

Room-temperature fabrication of defective CoOxHy nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and high porosity as efficient 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation electrocatalysts

Defective cobalt oxide hydrate nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and high porosity were fabricated via room-temperature reductive treatments, and they performed well in the electrocatalytic oxidation reaction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

Graphical abstract: Room-temperature fabrication of defective CoOxHy nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and high porosity as efficient 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation electrocatalysts
Paper

Single-iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper-atom catalysts for the selective reduction of oxygen to H2O2

A series of single metal atom catalysts anchored into N-doped carbon nanosheets are evaluated for H2Oelectrosynthesis via oxygen reduction. The Cu/NCNSs exhibits the best catalytic performance in alkaline media with nearly 100% H2O2 selectivity.

Graphical abstract: Single-iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper-atom catalysts for the selective reduction of oxygen to H2O2
Paper

Pre-embedding an energetic metal–organic framework to create interconnected pore structures in nitrogen-doped carbon for green and effective hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis

The two-electron (2e) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a green way to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Graphical abstract: Pre-embedding an energetic metal–organic framework to create interconnected pore structures in nitrogen-doped carbon for green and effective hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis
Paper

Integrating electrocatalytic seawater splitting and biomass upgrading via bifunctional nickel cobalt phosphide nanorods

A hybrid electrolyser using NiCoP as a bifunctional electrode was constructed by coupling xylose oxidation with hydrogen evolution from seawater, aiming to boost the efficiency of seawater electrolysis.

Graphical abstract: Integrating electrocatalytic seawater splitting and biomass upgrading via bifunctional nickel cobalt phosphide nanorods
Paper

Versatile electrooxidative amino- and oxyselenation of alkenes

We herein describe a methodology for the production of organoselenium compounds by electrocatalytic difunctionalisation of alkenes.

Graphical abstract: Versatile electrooxidative amino- and oxyselenation of alkenes
Paper

Electrochemical electrophilic bromination/spirocyclization of N-benzyl-acrylamides to brominated 2-azaspiro[4.5]decanes

An electrochemical electrophilic bromination/spirocyclization of N-benzyl-acrylamides to brominated 2-azaspiro[4.5]decanes with 2-bromoethan-1-ol as the brominating reagent has been developed.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical electrophilic bromination/spirocyclization of N-benzyl-acrylamides to brominated 2-azaspiro[4.5]decanes
Paper

Exploring the electrochemical ring hydrogenation of furanic compounds

The utilization of Pd- and Pt-containing electrocatalysts for the ring-hydrogenation of furfural and related furans to tetrahydrofurans is investigated.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the electrochemical ring hydrogenation of furanic compounds
Paper

RuS2@CN-x with exposed (200) facet as a high-performance photocatalyst for selective C–C bond cleavage of biomass coupling with H–O bond cleavage of water to co-produce chemicals and H2

RuS2@CN-x with exposed (200) facet as a high-performance photocatalyst for selective C–C bond cleavage of biomass coupling with H–O bond cleavage of water to co-produce chemicals and H2.

Graphical abstract: RuS2@CN-x with exposed (200) facet as a high-performance photocatalyst for selective C–C bond cleavage of biomass coupling with H–O bond cleavage of water to co-produce chemicals and H2
Paper

Electrocatalytic amino acid synthesis from biomass-derivable keto acids over ball milled carbon nanotubes

Using ball milled CNT catalysts, the electrocatalytic reductive amination of keto acids to amino acids was efficiently conducted. Moderate to high formation rates (up to 180.9 mmol g−1cat h−1) and Faradaic efficiencies (up to 90%) were achieved.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalytic amino acid synthesis from biomass-derivable keto acids over ball milled carbon nanotubes
Paper

Extending the π-conjugation system of covalent organic frameworks for more efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production

Three highly crystalline and porous COFs with promising photoredox properties have been prepared. Via a post-sulfurization process, the imine-linked COFs were converted into thiazole-linked COFs, generating a highly conjugated and ultrastable photocatalyst for H2O2 production.

Graphical abstract: Extending the π-conjugation system of covalent organic frameworks for more efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production
Paper

Electrochemical conversion of lignin to short-chain carboxylic acids

A method for direct electrochemical conversion of lignin to short-chain carboxylic acids is developed.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical conversion of lignin to short-chain carboxylic acids
Paper

Ionic liquid-based electrolysis-deposition for modulating Pb crystal facets to boost CO2 electroreduction

The IL-based electrolysis-deposition method was used to modulate Pb crystal facets (ED-Pb) for enhancing the CO2RR. ED-Pb-900 shows a formate formation rate of 2067.2 μmol h−1 cm−2, due to the preferential exposure of Pb(111) and larger ECSA.

Graphical abstract: Ionic liquid-based electrolysis-deposition for modulating Pb crystal facets to boost CO2 electroreduction
Paper

Electrochemical dual α,β-C(sp3)–H functionalization of cyclic N-aryl amines

Herein, a straightforward route for dual α,β-C(sp3)–H functionalized cyclic N-aryl amines using a combination of electrocatalysis and iron catalysis is disclosed, setting the stage for the challenging multiple site selective C–H functionalization.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical dual α,β-C(sp3)–H functionalization of cyclic N-aryl amines
Open Access Paper

A MOF-derived Co3O4/nitrogen-doped carbon composite for chlorine-assisted production of ethylene oxide

A MOF-derived cobalt oxide/nitrogen-doped carbon composite is prepared and it exhibits remarkable performance for chlorine-assisted ethylene oxide production.

Graphical abstract: A MOF-derived Co3O4/nitrogen-doped carbon composite for chlorine-assisted production of ethylene oxide
Paper

Tandem electrocatalytic aziridination – ring expansion of simple aromatic olefins using ammonia and carbon dioxide

The telescoped electrochemical coupling of NH3 and CO2 with simple aromatic olefins is described, forming valuable N-heterocycles in an atom-efficient manner with overall yields of up to 91%. The same iodide catalyst is required for both steps.

Graphical abstract: Tandem electrocatalytic aziridination – ring expansion of simple aromatic olefins using ammonia and carbon dioxide
Open Access Paper

Efficient photoelectrochemical Kolbe C–C coupling at BiVO4 electrodes under visible light irradiation

Under illumination with 450 nm light, porous BiVO4 photoelectrodes support photoeletrochemical Kolbe coupling with up to near quantitative faradaic efficiency and apparent quantum yield of 12% at applied voltages <2 V.

Graphical abstract: Efficient photoelectrochemical Kolbe C–C coupling at BiVO4 electrodes under visible light irradiation
Paper

Enhanced electroreduction of CO2 to ethanol via enriched intermediates at high CO2 pressures

The primary C2+ product of the CO2RR on the HS-Cu catalyst could be switched from gaseous ethylene to liquid ethanol by directly elevating the CO2 pressure with FEethanol as high as 36.6% at 100 bar CO2 pressure.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced electroreduction of CO2 to ethanol via enriched intermediates at high CO2 pressures
Paper

Guiding research in electrochemical CO2 conversion strategies through a systems-level perspective

Life cycle assessment as a decision-making tool in R&D of CO2 conversion technologies. A set of technologies are explored to provide recommendations regarding potential climate impacts. Relevant fundamentals of this type of assessment are provided.

Graphical abstract: Guiding research in electrochemical CO2 conversion strategies through a systems-level perspective
66 items

About this collection

Guest Editors: Jean-Philippe Tessonnier (Iowa State University), Season Si Chen (Tsinghua University), Vassiliki-Alexandra (Vanda) Glezakou (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), Adam Holewinski (University of Colorado, Boulder) and Juan Lopez-Ruiz (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory).

Electrosynthesis is a fast-expanding field of research that is poised to play a critical role in the decarbonization of the chemical industry and the transition to green transformations for chemical production. This research area is less mature than traditional catalysis fields and innovations are typically scattered among multiple broad audience journals. Hence, this themed collection intends to bring this community together and share the latest original research, reviews, and perspectives on the electrosynthesis of chemicals and fuels.

This collection includes contributions on recent green advances in electrochemical transformations, including, but not limited to, hybrid processes that combine electrochemical with photo- or biocatalytic (microbial) transformations, catalyst development, electrolyzer cell designs, computational studies, and techno-economic analysis (with a focus on environmental concerns or life-cycle analysis).

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