Photo-, electro-, and photoelectro-catalytic conversion of glucose into high value-added products

Abstract

Being an important biomass, glucose can be converted into a range of high-value-added products by oxidation of aldehyde and hydroxyl groups or C–C bond cleavage. In contrast with conventional approaches (e.g., microbial fermentation, and thermocatalysis), conversion of glucose by photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis is conducted under mild conditions free of any strong oxidants, which are highly valuable for economical and environmental benefits. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the various catalytic systems (e.g., catalysts, conversion, yields, and mechanisms) for photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic conversion of glucose. Emphasis is put on the correlation of the catalytic performance with the catalyst structures. The underlying mechanisms of glucose oxidation by the catalysts were elaborated. The integrated systems coupling glucose conversion with hydrogen production were comparatively evaluated, affording information for further development of novel catalytic systems. Finally, challenges, and future perspectives on glucose conversion by photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis are proposed.