Additive manufacturing technologies applied to the electrochemical valorization of biomass

Abstract

Biomass valorization is gaining recognition as a sustainable and easily accessible renewable option to produce fuels and chemicals non-derived from fossil fuels, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the energy and chemical industries. Electrosynthesis represents a potent and advantageous method to transform biomass-based compounds into added-value products, surpassing conventional synthetic pathways in various aspects. Nevertheless, technical and geometrical constraints preclude its widespread implementation and development. Within this context, additive manufacturing has the potential to emerge as a disruptive technology in the field of electrochemical reactions, enabling the creation of custom-designed cells and reactors with intricate geometry. This perspective article delves into the applications of this innovative and widely accessible technology in organic electrosynthesis for biomass valorization, highlighting its potential to enhance performance, optimize mass transport phenomena, and facilitate the design of efficient and scalable electrochemical systems for various applications.

Keywords

• Biomass valorization
• Electrosynthesis
• 3D printing
• Additive manufacturing
• Continuous-flow
• Electrocatalysis