Unbiased Tandem System for Simultaneous Methane and Glycerol Upgrading to Formic Acid Under Ambient Conditions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Direct methane conversion to liquid products under mild conditions remains a long‐standing challenge, often requiring expensive oxidants or external bias that hinder practical viability. Here, we report a bias‐free photovoltaic‐photoelectrochemical (PV‐PEC) tandem system that co‐upgrades methane and glycerol into formic acid at both electrodes under ambient conditions. The cathodic process employs oxidized carbon black to drive in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide, which in turn mediates methane oxidation via electro‐Fenton reactions in the presence of Fe 2+ . The photoanodic process uses nanoporous BiVO 4 to oxidize glycerol with nearly 100% Faradaic efficiency toward a mixture of glycerol oxygenates. Coupling these reactions in a PV‐PEC configuration enables bias‐free operation at 1.7 mA cm − 2 under standard solar illumination (Air Mass 1.5 Global, AM1.5G), yielding 2.87 mmol g cat −1 h −1 formic acid from methane oxidation (with a total production rate of 7.99 µmol cm −2 h −1 ) and achieving Faradaic efficiencies of 4.96% for the cathode and 28.5% for the anode. Life cycle assessment reveals over 66% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional syngas‐based processes. This work demonstrates the first bias‐free, full‐cell platform for simultaneous methane and glycerol upgrading, advancing sustainable chemical production and efficient biomass utilization.
Source: Small
DOI: 10.1002/smll.75878
Authors: Ho Kun Woo, Beomhui Lee, Rachel N. Gaines, Songtao Tang, Paul J. A. Kenis, Lili Cai
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,790
Awards: G1042558086, EFRI DCheM: Renewable Energy Driven Electrocatalytic Co-Conversion of CO2 and Regional Feedstocks to Chemicals and Fuels, G2360214285, MRI: Acquisition of an X-band Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer to Enhance the Infrastructure for Research in Redox Processes in Chemistry and Biology, FMRG: Cyber: Manufacturing USA: Exploiting Spatio-Temporal Interdependency Between Electrochemical Manufacturing and Power Grid to Optimize Flexibility and Sustainability
OpenAlex ID: W7214068152