Electrochemical Oxidation of Lignin and Waste Plastic
Robert S. Weber, Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy
Abstract
Both lignin and waste plastic are refractory polymers whose oxidation can produce feedstocks for the manufacture of chemicals and fuels. This brief review explores how renewably generated electricity could provide energy needed to selectively activate the endothermic depolymerization reactions, which might assist the production of hydrogen. We identify mediated electrochemistry as a particularly suitable approach to contending with these refractory, sparingly soluble materials.
Topics & Concepts
DepolymerizationLigninElectrochemistryRenewable energyPolymerChemistryWaste managementMaterials scienceOrganic chemistryEngineeringElectrodeElectrical engineeringPhysical chemistryElectrocatalysts for Energy ConversionLignin and Wood ChemistryBiochemical and biochemical processes