Toward effective electrocatalytic C–N coupling for the synthesis of organic nitrogenous compounds using CO₂ and biomass as carbon sources

Abstract

Thermochemical conversion of fossil resources into fuels, chemicals, and materials has rapidly increased atmospheric CO2 levels, hindering global efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality. With the increasing push for sustainability, utilizing electrochemical technology to transform CO2 or biomass into value‐added chemicals and to close the carbon cycle with sustainable energy sources represents a promising strategy. Expanding the scope of electrosynthesis technology is a prerequisite for the electrification of chemical manufacturing. To this end, constructing the C─N bond is considered a priority. However, a systematic review of electrocatalytic processes toward building C─N bonds using CO2 and biomass as carbon sources is not available. Accordingly, this review highlights the research progress in the electrosynthesis of organic nitrogen compounds from CO2 and biomass by C─N coupling reactions in view of catalytic materials, focusing on the enlightenment of traditional catalysis on C─N coupling and the understanding of the basis of electrochemical C─N coupling. The possibility of C─N bond in electrocatalysis is also examined from the standpoints of activation of substrates, coupling site, mechanism, and inhibition of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Finally, the challenges and prospects of electrocatalytic C─N coupling reactions with improved efficiency and selectivity for future development are discussed.

Enhancing Predictions of Acetate and Ethanol Production from Microbial Electrosynthesis Using Optimized Machine Learning Models

“…The widespread use of fossil fuels has resulted in a significant rise in CO 2 emissions. However, CO 2 possesses great potential as a source for sustainable chemical production, which has sparked interest in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) as a sustainable approach to convert CO 2 into valuable chemicals. − MES employs microorganisms capable of fixing inorganic carbon (IC) into compounds like acetate and ethanol using electrons derived from electrodes, , offering an innovative and environmentally friendly route for sustainable chemical production without relying on fossil fuel feedstocks. , However, several challenges remain before MES can fully realize its potential as a scalable and economically feasible technology.…”

Application of 1D/2D carbon material supported metal nanoclusters for electrochemical conversion

“…4–6 To improve the electrochemical reaction rate, people have been trying to explore and develop efficient catalysts. 6–8 Catalysts can reduce the activation energy required for the reaction and can significantly increase the electrochemical reaction rate, which is key to enhancing the conversion efficiency of electrochemical devices. 9–11…”

Enhancing the Synergistic Effect of Bifunctional Pd-Based Catalyst by Phosphonic Acid for Cellobiose Conversion to Sorbitol

“…1−4 Biomass is considered as a carbon-neutral energy source, which can be used as the raw material for fine chemicals. 5 Cellulose is a promising feedstock for bioenergy production with great potential in sustainable fuel and various biochemical synthesis. 6 Biofuels and value-added chemicals, such as sorbitol, 7 ethanol, 8 green hydrogen, 9 and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), 10 can be produced from cellulose via chemocatalytic or enzymecatalytic routes.…”

“…An increasing concern over the depletion of global resources urges the adoption of renewable biomass utilization for the production of biofuels and bioproducts to protect the environment and mitigate climate change. − Biomass is considered as a carbon-neutral energy source, which can be used as the raw material for fine chemicals . Cellulose is a promising feedstock for bioenergy production with great potential in sustainable fuel and various biochemical synthesis .…”