Efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation of guaiacol via construction of electron-rich platinum active centers
Peng Wang1, Qiqi Dai1, Danlu Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Abstract:
The electrocatalytic conversion of lignin model compounds into high-value chemicals represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. In this study, a PtRuCo alloy catalyst was synthesized through a simple, cost-effective electrodeposition method. This catalyst demonstrated exceptional performance in the mild and efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of guaiacol, achieving an impressive 84.6 % yield and showing significant potential for hydrogenating other related monomers. The PtRuCo exhibited remarkable stability and superior electrochemical performance under acidic conditions. The electron distribution within the alloy was thoroughly investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and theoretical calculations. These analyses provided valuable insights into its outstanding ECH properties. Moreover, in-situ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to monitor the evolution of reaction intermediates, establishing a robust experimental foundation for elucidating the reaction pathway. This study offers theoretical guidance for designing tailored catalysts for specific target reactions through detailed electronic structure analysis.
Related Concept Videos
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Catalysis


