Catalytic and electrocatalytic conversion of glucose into value-added chemicals

Abstract

Biomass-derived carbohydrates (e.g., glucose) can be converted into value-added chemicals such as sorbitol (via hydrogenation) and/or gluconic and glucaric acids (via oxidation). Glucose conversion can be achieved through heterogeneous catalytic and electrocatalytic pathways. The former can allow their conversion under harsh conditions at the cost of high temperatures and pressures, while the latter can proceed more economically under milder conditions. In this review, we focus on the catalytic and electrocatalytic conversion of glucose into sorbitol, gluconic acid, and glucaric acid with respect to catalyst type, conversion efficiency, target-product selectivity, and performance. The catalytic activities of various catalysts and electrocatalysts for the hydrogenation and oxidation of glucose are evaluated and compared. This systematic review is expected to offer meaningful guidelines on the development of highly efficient catalytic platforms for the conversion of glucose into value-added chemicals based on hydrogenation and/or oxidation.