Microwave synthesis of metal nanocatalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of small biomolecules

Electrochemical oxidation of small biomolecules provides an approach to generate clean energy from a sustainable resource. It serves as a principle for anode reactions in fuel cells to convert energy stored in chemical bonds into electrical power. Efficient and robust nanocatalysts are essential to reduce the reaction barrier and accelerate the reaction kinetics. First the general aspects of electrochemical oxidation of small biomolecules are outlined and the green synthesis of metal particles by microwave synthesis is compared to conventional heating synthesis. Then recent progress in microwave-assisted nanocrystals used for electrochemical oxidation of small biomolecules is reviewed for alcohols, acids, and glucose. The challenges and future perspectives for the microwave synthesis as well as electrochemical oxidation of small biomolecules are discussed.