One-Step Electrochemical Ethylene-to-Ethylene Glycol Conversion over a Multitasking Molecular Catalyst

Abstract

Ethylene glycol is an essential commodity chemical with high demand, which is conventionally produced via thermocatalytic oxidation of ethylene with huge fossil fuel consumption and CO 2 emission. The one-step electrochemical approach offers a sustainable route but suffers from reliance on noble metal catalysts, low activity, and mediocre selectivity. Herein, we report a one-step electrochemical oxidation of ethylene to ethylene glycol over an earth-abundant metal-based molecular catalyst, a cobalt phthalocyanine supported on a carbon nanotube (CoPc/CNT). The catalyst delivers ethylene glycol with 100% selectivity and 1.78 min −1 turnover frequency at room temperature and ambient pressure, more competitive than those obtained over palladium catalysts. Experimental data demonstrate that the catalyst orchestrates multiple tasks in sequence, involving electrochemical water activation to generate high-valence Co-oxo species, ethylene epoxidation to afford an ethylene oxide intermediate via oxygen transfer, and eventually ring-opening of ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol facilitated by in situ formed Lewis acid site. This work offers a great opportunity for commodity chemicals synthesis based on a one-step, earth-abundant metal-catalyzed, and renewable electricity-driven route.

Electrifying oxidation of ethylene and propylene

“…Duan et al reported a one-step electrochemical oxidation of ethylene to EG over a cobalt phthalocyanine supported on a carbon nanotube carrier (CoPc/CNT). 47 This catalyst produced EG with a selectivity of 100% and a TOF of 1.78 min −1 at room temperature and ambient pressure. By contrast, the TOF of Pd/C and Pd DNTs was only 0.02 and 0.01 min −1 , respectively.…”

Recent Progress and Challenges in Hybrid Water Electrolysis through Economic Evaluation

“…In addition to the 10 reactions mentioned in Figure , several reactions are being used for the aim of lowering H 2 production costs. Propanol , and formaldehyde , are being studied as types of PRR, and monosaccharide, − ethylene, ethylene glycol, , and chitin are being studied as VARs.…”