Electrochemical oxidation of lignin and waste plastic

Abstract

Both lignin and waste plastic are refractory polymers whose oxidation can produce feedstocks for the manufacture of chemicals and fuels. This brief review explores how renewably generated electricity could provide energy needed to selectively activate the endothermic depolymerization reactions, which might assist the production of hydrogen. We identify mediated electrochemistry as a particularly suitable approach to contending with these refractory, sparingly soluble materials.