Recent Advances in Biomass-derived Porous Carbon Materials: Synthesis, Composition and Applications

Electrocatalytic Cleavage of C–C Bonds in Lignin Models Using Nonmetallic Catalysts at Ambient Conditions

“…In this scenario, ionic liquids (ILs) stand out due to their favorable solvation properties for both organic substances and lignin. 4,29,30 At the same time, ILs offer a range of advantages, including wide electrochemical window, non-volatility, high thermal stability, non-flammability, excellent solubility in organic and inorganic substances, coupled with designability, making them promising candidates as electrolytes. 31−34 Building upon existing research, we propose an investigation into the electrocatalytic oxidation of C−C and C−O bonds in lignin model compounds, employing ILs and metal-free electrodes under mild conditions (see Scheme 1).…”

“…Lignin, a major component of lignocellulosic biomass (15%–30% by weight), emerges as a promising renewable feedstock for the production of alternative fuels, platform compounds, and high-value chemicals. − However, the low reactivity and market value of lignin result in its underutilization, often being relegated to a byproduct in bioethanol production and pulping industries . Lignin’s complex, amorphous polymeric structure, comprising bonds between C–O and C–C units, is formed by the enzymatic dehydrogenation polymerization of phenylpropionic acid monomers (e.g., sinapyl alcohol, conifery alcohol, and p-coumary alcohol), creating linkages like β-O-4, α-O-4, β-5, β–β, 4-O-5, 5-5, and β-1. − However, its structural complexity and low reactivity lead to a mere 2% utilization rate, with the majority being burned . Therefore, the development of suitable methods to convert lignin into high-value bulk chemicals is particularly important and urgent.…”

“…Therefore, developing efficient, environmentally benign, and stable electrocatalytic methods for lignin degradation is of paramount importance, particularly considering the challenges associated with lignin’s limited solubility in conventional solvents. In this scenario, ionic liquids (ILs) stand out due to their favorable solvation properties for both organic substances and lignin. ,, At the same time, ILs offer a range of advantages, including wide electrochemical window, non-volatility, high thermal stability, non-flammability, excellent solubility in organic and inorganic substances, coupled with designability, making them promising candidates as electrolytes. − Consequently, the electrocatalytic decomposition of lignin in ILs has attracted extensive attention in recent research.…”

“…Given the substantial consumption of fossil fuels and their limited storage, there is a pressing need to explore alternative energy and chemical resources. , Therefore, the development and utilization of renewable bioenergy, particularly lignocellulose, the world’s most abundant bioenergy source, has received a great deal of attention. Lignin, a major component of lignocellulosic biomass (15%–30% by weight), emerges as a promising renewable feedstock for the production of alternative fuels, platform compounds, and high-value chemicals. − However, the low reactivity and market value of lignin result in its underutilization, often being relegated to a byproduct in bioethanol production and pulping industries . Lignin’s complex, amorphous polymeric structure, comprising bonds between C–O and C–C units, is formed by the enzymatic dehydrogenation polymerization of phenylpropionic acid monomers (e.g., sinapyl alcohol, conifery alcohol, and p-coumary alcohol), creating linkages like β-O-4, α-O-4, β-5, β–β, 4-O-5, 5-5, and β-1. − However, its structural complexity and low reactivity lead to a mere 2% utilization rate, with the majority being burned .…”