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Advances in Electrocatalysis for Energy Conversion and Synthesis of Organic Molecules
Author(s) -
Holade Yaovi,
Servat Karine,
Tingry Sophie,
Napporn Teko W.,
Remita Hynd,
Cornu David,
Kokoh K. Boniface
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.201700447
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , electrosynthesis , nanotechnology , electrochemistry , electrochemical energy conversion , nanomaterials , organic synthesis , biochemical engineering , chemistry , materials science , catalysis , electrode , organic chemistry , engineering
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.