Principles of Electrochemical Valorization of Biomass

Electrochemistry will play a central role in the transition towards green energy and circular carbon economy. The generation of organic chemicals and high-performance fuels will require biomass-derived feedstocks in order to replace fossil fuels. The valorization of biomass is therefore critical. The most suitable biomass-derived feedstock targets are lignocellulose and glycerol, given their ease of conversion. We highlight the processes in generating the most common products from these feedstocks, identified as furanics, glycerol and levulinic acid. Given that the accompanying half-cell reaction for these processes is often low value, paired electrolysis may be employed to increase economic feasibility. Several challenges must be overcome before such technologies become suitable, such as energy and material costs, scale-up, and electrocatalyst efficiency and stability.