Synthesis, characterization, and optoelectronic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles: A precursor as electron transport layer.

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Towards selective electrochemical conversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol.

1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) is a bulk chemical with myriad applications in polymers, lubricants, cosmetics, foods industries and in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Current commercial production of 1,3-PD involves a thermocatalytic process using acrolein (DuPont) and ethylene oxide (Shell) as starting feedstock. These feedstocks are petroleum-based and there are many efforts at using glycerol as low cost biomass-derived feedstock for 1,3-PD production.

Electrochemistry for the Generation of Renewable Chemicals: One-Pot Electrochemical Deoxygenation of Xylose to δ-Valerolactone.

In this study, the electrochemical conversion of xylose to δ-valerolactone via carbonyl intermediates is demonstrated. The conversion was achieved in aqueous media and at ambient conditions. This study also demonstrates that the feedstock for production of renewable chemicals and biofuels through electrochemistry can be extended to primary carbohydrate molecules.