Fallen-leaf-sensitized biosolar oxygenation of hydrocarbons.

ABSTRACT: Lignocellulosic wastes are naturally abundant carbon resources but have been underutilized due to their complex structure and recalcitrant nature. They require energy- and water-intensive processes, such as thermal, chemical, and/or mechanical pretreatments, for their valorization. Here, we report a new function of raw tree waste for driving the solar-powered oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and biocatalytic oxyfunctionalization of hydrocarbons. We reveal that various lignocellulosic wastes, such as fallen leaves, waste wood, and wastepaper, can produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using only O₂, water, and light without any pretreatment. In particular, fallen leaves from Platanus trees exhibit high rates of ORR, which is ascribed to their superior photop

SUBMITTER: Lee M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12820941 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature