Investigation of the electrochemical hydrogenation of the carbonyl functional group for the sustainable valorization of bio-derived feedstocks

Project Description

Biomass‑derived bio‑oils are promising renewable fuels but suffer from poor stability and compatibility with downstream applications due to presence of carbonyl and aldehyde moieties. This warrants the hydrogenation of these groups, but conventional thermochemical hydrogenation requires high temperature and pressure. In this project, we will develop a sustainable, low‑temperature electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) route to upgrade acetone, a model ketone, to its corresponding alcohol, isopropanol. Based on computational predictions of adsorption energy and geometry, we will systematically screen a DFT-predicted series of transition-metal surfaces to quantify activity and selectivity. We will quantify product formation partly via HPLC‑MS at the BioPACIFIC MIP facility to determine selectivity. From these combined insights, we aim to map selectivity trends across the catalyst series and derive design principles for optimal carbonyl ECH electrocatalysts.

Instruments