Electrochemical Cellobiose Valorization: Anodic Oxidation to Cellobionic Acid and Cathodic Reduction to Cellobitol

Abstract

AbstractThis study elucidates key parameters allowing the electrochemical valorization of cellobiose, by creating value‐added products by both, anodic oxidation, and cathodic reduction. We demonstrate the first electrochemical reduction of cellobiose to cellobitol in a divided cell using Pb as cathode, leading up to 49 % conversion, though with long reaction times (over 26 h) and low coulombic efficiency ( ) of 4 %. The successful synthesis of cellobionic acid was demonstrated by mediated oxidation in an undivided electrochemical cell, using a graphite anode and CaBr2 as electrocatalytic mediator. Cellobiose oxidation was highly selective, allowing for up to 92 % conversion to cellobionic acid at 48 % when using a charge of 2 FE.