Biomass-derived electrocatalysts: A leap towards sustainable energy conversion
image: Dr. Liu (right) and Dr. Yabu, who conducted the research.
Credit: Tohoku University
Researchers developing biomass-derived electrocatalysts (BDEs) faced a critical limitation in systematically optimizing these materials. Traditional classifications, which categorized catalysts based on biomass feedstocks like proteins or polysaccharides, fell short: this approach did not adequately account for the diverse functional roles BDEs could play within a catalytic system.
“Without a clear functional understanding of how biomass components contribute as active sites, supports, or fully bio-based systems, new catalysts with desired purposes remained difficult to design,” explains Tengyi Liu, a member of an AIMR research team. “This limitation hindered the broader adoption of BDEs for sustainable energy technologies.”
In a 2023 review article, Liu and Hiroshi Yabu analyzed the progress in biomass-derived electrocatalysts by examining relevant works from the literature, addressing the challenges of inconsistent performance through a more systematic approach.
The team introduced a novel classification system for these BDEs. Rather than focusing on feedstocks, the review categorized them based on their roles in the catalytic system—whether as active components, carbon supports, or entirely bio-based catalysts.
“To address these challenges, we carefully analyzed existing studies, distinguishing key insights through a novel approach,” says Liu. “By thoroughly examining synthesis processes, identifying true active sites, and using characterization data to determine scale, we proposed a new framework for categorizing BDEs.”
The novel categorization of BDEs based on their roles and component scales provided a foundation for a biomass-derived database—a resource designed to accelerate the development of tailored catalysts and help researchers address challenges in sustainable energy technologies more efficiently.
This article was written by Patrick Han, Ph.D. (patrick@sayedit.com).
About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
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Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR)
Tohoku University
Establishing a World-Leading Research Center for Materials Science
AIMR aims to contribute to society through its actions as a world-leading research center for materials science and push the boundaries of research frontiers. To this end, the institute gathers excellent researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and mathematics and provides a world-class research environment.
AIMR site: https://www.wpi-aimr.tohoku.ac.jp/en/