An Electrochemical Valorization Fuel Cell for Simultaneous Electroorganic and Hydrogen Fuel Syntheses

Abstract

Electrochemical valorization of biomass is a potential route for the interfacial synthesis of products with high added value, however its thermodynamically unfavorable nature demands substantial electrical driving force for achieving the desired rate. We illustrate a fundamentally unique approach for electrochemical valorization in an electrochemical neutralization fuel cell (ENFC) where oxidative valorization of biomass to value added products and reductive hydrogen fuel synthesis are spontaneously paired during electric power production. We further show that the selectivity of valorization pathway can be controlled through the interfacial electrochemistry of the catalytic anode/electrolyte interface. The capability of the ENFC to synthesize value added products and clean molecular fuels during electric power production by harvesting the energy of neutralization will enrich the chemistry of energy conversion with immense techno-commercial implications.