Biomass is defined as all biologically-produced matter based in carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, such as by-products of agriculture, forest residues (dead trees, branches and tree stumps), and even municipal waste. As a renewable resource, the estimated biomass production in the world is 104.9 petagrams (104.9 × 10<sup>15</sup> g, about 105 billion metric tons) of carbon. Traditionally, the strategies for utilization of biomass as an energy source include directly combusting it to produce heat and indirectly converting it to various forms of biofuel. As an alternative, electrochemical (electrocatalytic) oxidation of biomass/biofuels can directly converted bioenergy to electricity in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. However, catalyst plays the key role in electrochemical conversion of renewable biomass energy into electricity. Here, we introduce our efforts towards to the development of catalysts to convert several typical biomass, such as algae, leaves, urine, into electricity based on the principle of fuel cells. 1) A Co-C-N composite was prepared as cathodic catalyst for oxygen reduction in neutral solution. By coupling with a graphene anodes to draw electrons from algae, an algae fuel cells was constructed. 2) Molybdophosphoric acid was used to catalyze the oxidation of leaves. By coupling a Pt/C electrode, a half-liquid flow fuel cell was constructed and electricity was successfully delivered. 3) Nickel oxide was synthesized to electro-catalyze oxidation of uric acid in human urine and a urine fuel cell were displayed. The development of new and efficient catalysts for electrochemical conversion of biomass energy into electricity can provide a promising choice for exploring new energy technologies in the future.

Catalysts for electrochemical conversion of renewable biomass energy into electricity

254th National Meeting (2017)

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