Techniques that are emerging for producing biofuels from biomass-derived feedstocks require H2 to remove oxygen from the biogenic material. Coupling electrochemical water reduction with the reduction of biomass-derived feedstocks is a critical need to improve conversion efficiencies. During ECH, His formed on the surface of the catalyst via reduction of protons supplied by the electrolyte, hydrogenating organic substrates. The conversions are ideally achieved under mild conditions and adapting the electrocatalyst can minimize the overpotential required for ECH. Current studies are mostly carried on simple but versatile electrocatalyst (Pt/C or Ru/C) that are highly superior in PEM fuel cells, redox flow batteries and SOFCs. However, the feedstock derived from biomass is extremely complex in composition and functionality. Solvents such as water and other organic solvents add an unprecedented level of complexity to the catalyst design and synthesis. Role of electrocatalyst structure and composition is pivotal in understanding and enhancing conversion of biogenic substrates to fuels or intermediates. Biomass derived feedstock is complex in composition and functionality enhancing the need for developing catalysts and electrodes that specifically target these complex issues. Nonpolar organic molecules, polar organic molecules and water are the key components of biomass feedstock. Catalytic transformation (hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis) of such complex mixture requires both design of catalyst and selection of optimal parameters of reductive process. The crucial step of the process is an electrochemical, cathodic reduction of protons and direct addition of formed hydrogen to reactant molecule. Here we present our recent progress in modification of carbon felt based electrocatalysts. Carbon felt based materials are modified incorporation of N containing polymeric materials and inorganic structure modifiers to enhance surface area and porosity. The effect of these modifications of on incorporation of metal nanoparticles will be discussed. In addition to structural studies the impact of these modifications on electrocatalytic reduction of carbonyl compounds will be discussed.

Novel surface modification of carbon felt-supported Pd nanoparticles for ECH of oxygenates

255th National Meeting (2018)

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