ElectroLight4Value - Combined Electrochemical and Light-Driven Processes for the Sustainable Synthesis of Added-Value Molecules

Abstract:

ElectroLight4Value targets the merging of light-driven and electrochemical processes for the realization of unprecedented synthetic methods towards the mild and sustainable valorization of raw and waste materials into added-value molecules.
Different saturated and unsaturated compounds (alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics) are identified as suitable substrates to be converted into biorelevant 3-D scaffolds or synthetically useful molecules. Both homogenous and heterogenous photoelectrocatalytic strategies will be designed and explored involving either net-reductive or oxidative processes. The synergistic exploitation of photochemistry and electrochemistry will unlock reaction manifolds not achievable by applying only one of the above strategies. The inherent benefits include: i) mild reaction conditions with no need of toxic additives (e.g., sacrificial agents), ii) reduced wastes with consequent easier work-up of the final products, and iii) the improved recyclability of the photoactive component or material (photocatalyst).
Within ElectroLight4Value, a set of different molecular photocatalysts (organic, organometallic, or inorganic) as well as different photoresponsive materials of inorganic, polymeric or hybrid character will be exploited. With both homogeneous and heterogeneous handles, we will target the synthetic valorization of raw and waste materials, e.g., the dearomatization of aromatic feedstocks or the fixation of CO₂. Hence, ElectroLight4Value will use a revolutionary approach in terms of greenness and sustainability. Furthermore, the novel photoelectrochemical methods proposed within this project will be implemented in flow condition, thus going beyond the current state-of-the-art in sustainable large-scale synthesis, opening to potential industrial applications.
To achieve these goals, we will use a multidisciplinary approach which involves and integrates the consolidated and complementary expertise in organic synthesis, nanomaterials preparation and characterization, photochemistry, and electrochemistry of 5 established research units (UNIFE, UNIPD, UNINA, UNIPV, and UNICAL). Within this integrated collaborative network, we will exchange researchers and knowledge, growing the younger generation of scientists with a multilateral approach to solve scientific and societal challenges. This will boost the careers of the participants, reinforce the international scientific leaderships of the units, and let the new recruited researchers grow up in a very fruitful and stimulating environment.
The results of ElectroLight4Value will be disseminated across the scientific community as well as to the general audience. Hence, generating new and clean ways to (re)use raw and waste materials in a sustainable, economical, and safe manner, ElectroLight4Value will impact, not only at a scientific level, but also at an economic and societal level.