Electrochemical Valorization of Biobased Chemicals

Summary

Imagine that the entire chemical industry as a giant kitchen that produces everything from fuel and plastics to medicines. Today, the vast majority of these "dishes" is primarily made from fossils, currently raising ecological and geopolitical concerns. Furthermore, the "cooking" process itself often takes place under harsh conditions (high heat and pressure), which can demand a lot of energy and generate a large amount of waste. This work contributes to finding safer and more efficient ways to "cook" the same useful products:
• Instead of oil, to use renewable raw materials from biomass (like wood or agricultural waste).
• Instead of harsh conditions, to use electricity (ideally from renewable sources like the sun or wind) to initiate and control the chemical reactions.
Such approach is a promising way to lower the environmental footprint of the chemical industry and depletion of the finite reserves, thereby supporting the shift towards a circular, fossil-free economy.