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Structure-Reactivity Effects of Biomass-based Hydroxyacids for Sustainable Electrochemical Hydrogen Production
Daniel Martín-Yerga1,2, Jai White1, Gunnar Henriksson3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
Chemsuschem
|February 17, 2021
Summary
Biomass electro-oxidation offers sustainable hydrogen (H2) production. The study reveals that hydroxyacid structure significantly impacts reactivity and product selectivity during electro-oxidation for H2 generation.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Biomass Conversion
Background:
- Biomass electro-oxidation is a key technology for sustainable hydrogen (H2) generation and valuable chemical synthesis.
- Understanding the influence of molecular structure on electrochemical reactivity is crucial for optimizing these processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively investigate the electro-oxidation of lactic acid and gluconic acid.
- To elucidate how the chemical structure of hydroxyacids affects electrochemical reactivity and product selectivity.
- To assess their potential for sustainable H2 generation.
Main Methods:
- Comparative electrochemical analysis of lactic acid and gluconic acid electro-oxidation.
- Evaluation of reactivity, conversion rates, and product selectivity under varying conditions.
- Potentiostatic electrolysis measurements.
Main Results:
- Gluconic acid, with a high density of C-OH groups, exhibited high reactivity for H2 generation at low potentials (-0.15 V vs. Hg/HgO at 400 mA cm-2) but low product selectivity.
- Lactic acid showed lower reactivity (<100 mA cm-2) but significantly higher selectivity (64%) towards pyruvic acid.
- The study demonstrated a clear correlation between hydroxyacid structure and electrochemical performance.
Conclusions:
- Biomass-derived hydroxyacids are promising feedstocks for sustainable H2 production via electro-oxidation.
- The chemical structure of hydroxyacids critically dictates their electrochemical reactivity and selectivity.
- Tailoring hydroxyacid structure can optimize H2 generation efficiency and targeted chemical synthesis.
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