Dopant- and Surfactant-Tuned Electrode-Electrolyte Interface Enabling Efficient Alkynol Semi-Hydrogenation.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Electrochemical alkynol semi-hydrogenation offers a sustainable route to alkenols using water as the hydrogen source.
• Designing electrode-electrolyte interfaces for high selectivity and activity remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient electrocatalyst and electrolyte system for alkynol semi-hydrogenation.
• To overcome the selectivity-activity trade-off in electrochemical synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing boron-doped palladium (PdB) catalysts.
• Employing quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants as electrolyte additives.
• Investigating the electrode-electrolyte interface modification.

Main Results:

• PdB catalysts demonstrated higher turnover frequency (139.8 h⁻¹) and selectivity (>90%) compared to pure Pd and Pd/C.
• Surfactant assembly at the interface created a microenvironment favoring alkynol transfer and inhibiting water transfer.
• Suppression of hydrogen evolution reaction and promotion of alkynol semi-hydrogenation were achieved without compromising alkenol selectivity.

Conclusions:

• The proposed boron-doped palladium catalyst and surfactant-modified interface effectively enhance alkynol semi-hydrogenation.
• This approach provides a novel strategy for designing electrode-electrolyte interfaces in electrosynthesis.
• The method offers a sustainable and selective pathway for producing valuable alkenols.