Electrochemical reduction of biomass-derived feedstocks is a critical need to improve conversion efficiencies without the need for generating molecular hydrogen. During an electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) process, H● is formed on the surface of the catalyst via reduction of protons supplied by the electrolyte, hydrogenating organic substrates. The feedstock derived from biomass are 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. Majority of the electrocatalytic reduction studies are mostly carried on simple but versatile electrocatalyst (Pt/C or Pd/C) that have shown superior activity in PEM fuel cells. There is a critical need to understand the impact of electrocatalyst structure and composition on enhancing conversion of biogenic substrates to fuels or intermediates. Here we present our recent progress in modification of carbon felt based electrocatalysts. We have developed synthetic protocols and methods to modify these carbon felt based materials by incorporating heteroatoms such N or O containing polymeric materials. We further engineer the nanostructure by utilizing inorganic structure modifiers to enhance surface area and porosity. We have demonstrated the ability to change the surface area from 2 m2/g to 110 m2/g. The effect of these modifications on incorporation of metal nanoparticles will also be presented by XPS technique. The impact of these structural and chemical modification of the carbon felt based catalysts on electrocatalytic reduction of carbonyl compounds will be discussed.

Impact of surface modification of carbon, felt-supported Pd nanoparticles on electrochemical hydrogenation of oxygenates

2019 Spring National Meeting

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