Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions of Bioelectrocatalysis.

Bioelectrocatalysis is an interdisciplinary research field combining biocatalysis and electrocatalysis via the utilization of materials derived from biological systems as catalysts to catalyze the redox reactions occurring at an electrode. Bioelectrocatalysis synergistically couples the merits of both biocatalysis and electrocatalysis. The advantages of biocatalysis include high activity, high selectivity, wide substrate scope, and mild reaction conditions. The advantages of electrocatalysis include the possible utilization of renewable electricity as an electron source and high energy conversion efficiency. These properties are integrated to achieve selective biosensing, efficient energy conversion, and the production of diverse products. This review seeks to systematically and comprehensively detail the fundamentals, analyze the existing problems, summarize the development status and applications, and look toward the future development directions of bioelectrocatalysis. First, the structure, function, and modification of bioelectrocatalysts are discussed. Second, the essentials of bioelectrocatalytic systems, including electron transfer mechanisms, electrode materials, and reaction medium, are described. Third, the application of bioelectrocatalysis in the fields of biosensors, fuel cells, solar cells, catalytic mechanism studies, and bioelectrosyntheses of high-value chemicals are systematically summarized. Finally, future developments and a perspective on bioelectrocatalysis are suggested.

Advances in Electrochemical Modification Strategies of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural.

The development of electrochemical catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has recently gained attention as a potentially scalable approach for both oxidation and reduction processes yielding value-added products. While the possibility of electrocatalytic HMF transformations has been demonstrated, this growing research area is in its initial stages. Additionally, its practical applications remain limited due to low catalytic activity and product selectivity. Understanding the catalytic processes and design of electrocatalysts are important in achieving a selective and complete conversion into the desired highly valuable products. In this Minireview, an overview of the most recent status, advances, and challenges of oxidation and reduction processes of HMF was provided. Discussion and summary of voltammetric studies and important reaction factors (e. g., catalyst type, electrode material) were included. Finally, biocatalysts (e. g., enzymes, whole cells) were introduced for HMF modification, and future opportunities to combine biocatalysts with electrochemical methods for the production of high-value chemicals from HMF were discussed.