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Related Concept Videos

What is an Electrochemical Gradient?01:26

What is an Electrochemical Gradient?

Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is considered the primary energy source in cells. However, energy can also be stored in the electrochemical gradient of an ion across the plasma membrane, which is determined by two factors: its chemical and electrical gradients.
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The electrode interacts with ions in the electrolyte solution at its interface. The rate of oxidation and reduction depends on the speed at which electrons can transfer through this interface. As ions attach to or leave the electrode surface, the electrode acquires a charge, and an electrical potential forms across the interface, making the process more difficult to reach equilibrium. The charge on the electrode affects the local ion concentrations in the solution, though thermal motion...
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The Electrical Double Layer01:30

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A Micro-agar Salt Bridge Electrode for Analyzing the Proton Turnover Rate of Recombinant Membrane Proteins
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A pH gradient at electrode-electrolyte interface for tandem reactions.

Kaiyue Ji1,2, Yuanbo Liu1, Kejian Kong1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

Nature Communications
|May 6, 2026
PubMed
Summary

This study developed a novel electrocatalyst for converting levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) in one step. The catalyst creates a pH gradient, overcoming challenges in tandem electrosynthesis.

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Area of Science:

  • Electrochemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Biomass Conversion

Background:

  • Tandem reactions allow sequential synthesis of chemicals.
  • Converting biomass-derived levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) is valuable but challenging due to differing pH requirements for hydrogenation and lactonization steps.
  • Existing methods struggle with achieving tandem electrocatalysis in a single electrolyzer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a method for efficient tandem electrocatalysis of LA to GVL in a single electrolyzer.
  • To engineer a pH gradient at the electrode-electrolyte interface to accommodate distinct reaction pH optima.
  • To demonstrate a novel approach for microenvironment engineering in electrocatalysis.

Main Methods:

  • Modification of a lead (Pb) electrocatalyst with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB).
  • Electrochemical conversion of LA to GVL at current densities of 50-200 mA cm⁻².
  • Mechanistic studies to investigate the interfacial pH gradient and reaction pathways.

Main Results:

  • The CTAB-modified Pb electrocatalyst achieved >80% selectivity for GVL.
  • Faradaic efficiency (FE) for GVL production exceeded 50%.
  • Ordered CTAB arrangements on the Pb surface created a local pH gradient, facilitating the tandem reaction.

Conclusions:

  • Successful creation of a pH gradient at the electrode-electrolyte interface using a modified electrocatalyst.
  • Demonstration of efficient tandem electrocatalysis for LA to GVL conversion in a single electrolyzer.
  • Highlights the potential of microenvironment engineering for complex electrosynthesis.