Biomass Assisted Solar Fuel Generation with Single-junction Photoelectrode

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology has emerged as a promising platform for sustainable energy conversion and chemical synthesis, utilizing solar energy to facilitate redox reactions. However, the reliance on the kinetically sluggish and high-overpotential water oxidation reaction (WOR) limits overall system efficiency and economic viability. This mini-review reports recent developments in the PEC redox reactions when replacing WOR with the thermodynamically favorable biomass oxidation reaction (BOR). We highlight recent breakthroughs utilizing diverse BOR feedstocks, including glycerol, furfural, and raw lignocellulose, converting waste streams into high-value chemicals. The major focus relies on eliminating the need for expensive, complex tandem photoelectrodes, enabling high-performance, bias-free operation using simpler single-junction photoabsorbers, leading to an improved production rate for solar fuels. Ultimately, the insights presented here provide a strategic roadmap for engineering high-performance, single-junction PEC devices essential for the scalable and sustainable co-production of fuels and chemicals, without the need of additional bias.