Advances in Electrocatalysis for Energy Conversion and Synthesis of Organic Molecules

• Published in: Chemphyschem 2017-10, Vol.18 (19), p.2573-2605
• Main Authors: Holade, Yaovi, Servat, Karine, Tingry, Sophie, Napporn, Teko W., Remita, Hynd, Cornu, David, Kokoh, K. Boniface
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical reactions; Chemical Sciences; Chemical synthesis; Electrocatalysis; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Energy conversion; fuel cells; heterogeneous catalysis; Nanomaterials; nanoparticles; Organic chemistry; Oxidation; Selectivity; Tactics
• ISSN: 1439-4235; 1439-7641
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201700447

Ubiquitous electrochemistry is expected to play a major role for reliable energy supply as well as for production of sustainable fuels and chemicals. The fundamental understanding of organics‐based electrocatalysis in alkaline media at the solid–liquid interface involves complex mechanisms and performance descriptors (from the electrolyte and reaction intermediates), which undermine the roads towards advance and breakthroughs. Here, we review and diagnose recently designed strategies for the electrochemical conversion of organics into electricity and/or higher‐value chemicals. To tune the mysterious workings of nanocatalysts in electrochemical devices, we examine the guiding principles by which the performance of a particular electrode material is governed, thus highlighting various tactics for the development of synthesis methods for nanomaterials with specific properties. We end by examining the production of chemicals by using electrochemical methods, from selective oxidation to reduction reactions. The intricate relationship between electrode and selectivity encourages both of the communities of electrocatalysis and organic synthesis to move forward together toward the renaissance of electrosynthesis methods. So sweet! Subtly splitting glycerol/carbohydrates to generate electricity and higher‐value chemicals could help to cut down greenhouse gas emissions. Tuning the mysterious workings of electrocatalysts for the selective oxidation of such fuels in cogeneration energy converters is vital. The complex relationship of the electrode potential, composition, and structure of a catalyst to kinetics, selectivity, and reaction mechanism is interrogated.