Minireview on Bio-Oil Upgrading via Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation: Connecting Biofuel Production with Renewable Power
Jason Chun‐Ho Lam, Wei Deng, Lin Lang, Xin Jin, Xun Hu, Yi Wang
Abstract
Electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) can achieve catalytic hydrogenation at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure with only a small potential applied between the cathode and the anode. The mild conditions and simplicity make ECH a convenient choice to upgrade bio-oil to combat its intrinsic corrosiveness and chemical instability. This Minireview discusses the recent advances in the ECH of bio-oil and analyzes the mechanism of different bio-oil model compounds during their ECH upgrading. The goal is to demonstrate the viability of ECH as a bio-oil stabilization strategy. The product selectivity control and the effect of electrode selection are also reviewed to explore the design of a more robust electrocatalyst. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities in the ECH of bio-oil are discussed to improve the prospect of the technology in large-scale implementation.