Simple petrochemical feedstocks are often the starting material for the synthesis of complex commodity and fine and specialty chemicals. Designing synthetic pathways for these complex and specific molecular structures with sufficient chemo-, regio-, enantio-, and diastereo-selectivity can expand the existing petrochemicals landscape. The two overarching challenges in designing such pathways are selective activation of chemically inert C-H bonds in hydrocarbons and systematic functionalization to synthesize complex structures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPetroleum hydrocarbons are our major energy source and an important feedstock for the chemical industry. With the exception of combustion, the deep conversion of chemically inert hydrocarbons to more valuable chemicals is of considerable interest. However, two challenges hinder this conversion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhotochem Photobiol Sci
October 2021
Photobioelectrocatalysis has recently attracted particular research interest owing to the possibility to achieve sunlight-driven biosynthesis, biosensing, power generation, and other niche applications. However, physiological incompatibilities between biohybrid components lead to poor electrical contact at the biotic-biotic and biotic-abiotic interfaces. Establishing an electrochemical communication between these different interfaces, particularly the biocatalyst-electrode interface, is critical for the performance of the photobioelectrocatalytic system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhotobioelectrocatalysis (PBEC) adopts the sophistication and sustainability of photosynthetic units to convert solar energy into electrical energy. However, the electrically insulating outer membranes of photosynthetic units hinder efficient extracellular electron transfer from photosynthetic redox centers to an electrode in photobioelectrocatalytic systems. Among the artificial redox-mediating approaches used to enhance electrochemical communication at this biohybrid interface, conducting redox polymers (CRPs) are characterized by high intrinsic electric conductivities for efficient charge transfer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe development of electrochemical catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has recently gained attention as a potentially scalable approach for both oxidation and reduction processes yielding value-added products. While the possibility of electrocatalytic HMF transformations has been demonstrated, this growing research area is in its initial stages. Additionally, its practical applications remain limited due to low catalytic activity and product selectivity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBioelectrocatalysis is an interdisciplinary research field combining biocatalysis and electrocatalysis via the utilization of materials derived from biological systems as catalysts to catalyze the redox reactions occurring at an electrode. Bioelectrocatalysis synergistically couples the merits of both biocatalysis and electrocatalysis. The advantages of biocatalysis include high activity, high selectivity, wide substrate scope, and mild reaction conditions.
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