Direct conversion of biomass to advanced energy materials is an ideal solution to relieve climate change. We recently demonstrate a one-step molten salt-assisted electrochemical synthesis strategy for value-added utilization of plant biomass. By using CaCl2-NaCl molten salt as the electrolyte, solid rice husks are directly converted to SiC-nanowire/C hybrid. This nanostructured composite shows much enhanced activity for CO2 photoreduction to CO without employing any cocatalyst or sacrificial agents. The conversion of rice husks to SiC-nanowire/C promises a closed-loop CO2 utilization by combining the molten salt treatment, photocatalysis and primary production in the biosphere. The molten salt system has the self-purification ability to dissolve detrimental elements, thus warranting a smart process for biomass utilization free of any refinement steps. The developed process might also bridge a balanced carbon cycle in the production-utilization of biomass. The above results are now accepted for publication in Advanced Materials.

Author: Prof. Xiao