The Electrochemical Oxidation of Small Organic Molecules

Dear Colleagues,

The electrochemical oxidation of small organic molecules (SOMs) occupies significant attention due to its capacity to generate energy and value-added chemicals. It serves as a crucial process for energy conversion, wastewater treatment, and organic electrosynthesis. The small organic molecules suitable for electrochemical oxidation are divided into various categories. For instance, one practical application of SOMs is in low-temperature fuel cells, where the energy generated from the oxidation of methanol, ethanol, or formic acid is directly transformed into electricity. The oxidation of alkanes, including methane, ethane, propane, and butane, represents the most widely used small organic molecules as feedstocks in high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells or solid oxide electrolytic cells. Another commonly used feedstock is biomass, with notable examples of biomass-derived chemicals such as furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and glycerol, which serve as renewable alternatives to products derived from petroleum. Lastly, electrochemical oxidation processes employ electricity to degrade organic pollutants (including formaldehyde, urea, or hydrazine) found in wastewater.

A crucial aspect in the electrochemical oxidation of SOMs is the use of an effective catalyst, which is essential for generating materials that facilitate electrochemical reactions. These catalysts have been designed and optimized for efficient electrochemical oxidation of small organic molecules, enabling high selectivity and stability. There is an anticipation of deeper mechanistic understanding, advancements in electrocatalysis, and the creation of devices.

Dr. Jelena D. Lović
Dr. Sanja Stevanovic
Guest Editors

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