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The electrocatalytic conversion of furanic compounds, i.e. mainly furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, has recently emerged as a potentially scalable technology for both oxidation and hydrogenation processes because of its highly valuable products. However, its practical application in industry is currently limited by low catalytic activity and product selectivity. Thus, a better understanding of the catalytic reactions as well as a strategy for the catalyst design can bring solutions for a complete and selective conversion into desired products. In this perspective, we review the status and challenges of electrocatalytic oxidation and hydrogenation of furanic compounds, including thermodynamics, voltammetric studies, and bulk electrolysis with important reaction parameters (i.e., catalyst, electrolyte, temperature, etc.) and reaction mechanisms. In addition, we introduce methods of energy-efficient electrocatalytic furanic synthesis by combining yields of anodic and cathodic reactions in a paired reactor or a reactor powered by a renewable energy source (i.e., solar energy). Current challenges and future opportunities are also discussed, aiming at industrial applications.

Zeolite Beta was calcined under a variety of carefully controlled conditions to study the influence of (hydro)thermal treatments on the catalytic activity of zeolite Beta in the Lewis acid-catalyzed Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction of ketones. The activity of (H)Beta can be increased by several orders of magnitude by mild steaming. The catalytic activity of the materials following reactivation can be diminished again by adsorption of ammonia followed by an induction period. For these changes, an explanation is offered in terms of Lewis acidic framework aluminum atoms which undergo a change of configuration depending on the ligands present, rather than becoming extraframework aluminum. FTIR, 29 Si, and 27 Al MAS NMR spectroscopy were applied to investigate the changes induced by the (hydro)thermal procedures.

Novel biomass‐derived porous carbons are attractive candidates for the preparation of carbon‐supported catalysts with a wide range of catalytic applications. Such carbonaceous catalysts are environmentally benign and could provide a cost‐competitive advantage as compared to existing heterogeneous catalysts. Tunable surface properties of carbon materials and excellent physical properties (e.g., hydrophobicity, chemically inert nature, etc.) are compatible with diverse catalysis reactions including organic transformations, as well as electro‐ and photochemical processes in aqueous solutions. This contribution provides an overview on the utilization of different biomass feedstocks and/or biomass‐derived precursors for the synthesis of carbonaceous materials to design advanced catalytic systems and their emerging applications in catalysis.

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