Minireview on Bio-Oil Upgrading via Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation: Connecting Biofuel Production with Renewable Power

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.