Electrochemical conversion of biomass derivatives to value-added chemicals: A review

Countless efforts have been dedicated to shifting from fossil- to bio-based resources, including the conversion of biomass derivatives into high-value building-block chemicals using various catalytic processes. In particular, electrochemical conversion is a remarkable process when considering biomass as a renewable resource and when applying renewable energy. As typical promising derivatives, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, methanol, and sugars have been extensively investigated to date on a laboratory scale via electrochemical conversion to obtain valuable chemicals such as 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)furan, formic acid, gluconic acid, and xylitol. This review focuses on the electroconversion of biomass derivatives to high-value-added products. In particular, the catalyst activity, stability, and selectivity for the desired products, reaction mechanisms, and operating conditions of the electrocatalytic process are summarized and discussed. The review also addresses the challenges in the development of electrocatalysts for the electroconversion of biomass derivatives while avoiding side reactions to reduce the separation and purification processes. This study is expected to guide future developments in this field. • Electrocatalysis of biomass derivates is an effective way for biorefinery. • Electro-conversion of typical biomass derivates including HMF, methanol and sugers is reviewed. • The developed catalysts and electrocatalysis mechanisms are introduced and discussed. • The prospects and challenges in the electrocatalysis are discussed and outlooked.