Wastewater becomes valuable chemicals

June 26, 2026

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed an innovative electrochemical technology that transforms renewable biomass and nitrate-contaminated wastewater into high-value industrial chemicals in a single energy-efficient process. The breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical manufacturing while helping reduce water pollution.

The findings, published in Angewandte Chemie on June 8, 2026, introduce a dual-function electrolysis system capable of producing glutaric acid and ammonia simultaneously. By combining renewable feedstocks with wastewater treatment, the technology supports the growing transition toward a circular and low-carbon chemical industry.

Sustainable chemical production with dual benefits

Unlike conventional electrolysis, which relies on the energy-intensive oxygen evolution reaction at the anode without generating commercially useful products, the newly designed system replaces this step with the oxidation of 1,5-pentanediol, a compound derived from plant biomass.

During the process, the biomass-based molecule is converted into glutaric acid, an important building block used in manufacturing polymers, engineering plastics, coatings, and specialty materials. At the same time, nitrate pollutants commonly found in industrial and agricultural wastewater are reduced to ammonia, a valuable chemical widely used in fertilizer production and industrial applications.

This integrated approach significantly improves energy efficiency while creating two marketable products from renewable and waste resources.

Advanced catalyst powers two reactions at once

The key innovation behind the system is a specially engineered nickel-vanadium layered double hydroxide (NiV-LDH) catalyst.

Researchers designed atomic-scale nickel-oxygen-vanadium bridges within the catalyst structure, creating strong electronic interactions between nickel and vanadium atoms. These engineered active sites optimize the adsorption and conversion of reaction intermediates, allowing both oxidation and nitrate reduction reactions to occur efficiently inside a single electrolysis cell.

The catalyst enables simultaneous production of valuable chemicals while reducing the overall energy required for electrochemical conversion.

Outstanding conversion efficiency

Laboratory testing demonstrated exceptional catalytic performance.

The oxidation of 1,5-pentanediol into glutaric acid achieved a Faradaic efficiency of 98.5%, indicating that nearly all supplied electrical energy contributed directly to the desired product.

Meanwhile, nitrate reduction generated ammonia with a Faradaic efficiency of 96.1%, outperforming many previously reported electrochemical catalysts for wastewater nitrate conversion.

According to the research team, these results highlight the catalyst's ability to maximize product yield while minimizing energy losses.

Long-term solar-powered operation

To evaluate practical performance, scientists operated the electrochemical reactor continuously for 240 hours using solar-generated electricity.

Throughout the extended test, the system produced nearly 56 grams of glutaric acid along with more than 23 grams of ammonium chloride, demonstrating remarkable operational stability over a much longer period than many comparable electrochemical systems.

The successful long-duration experiment suggests the technology could eventually support renewable-powered industrial chemical production.

Toward cleaner manufacturing and wastewater treatment

The research team believes the technology could help address two major global challenges simultaneously—reducing environmental pollution and making chemical manufacturing more sustainable.

"Our goal is to develop technologies that can simultaneously address environmental challenges and chemical production needs," said Hao Li, Distinguished Professor at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR).

He noted that renewable biomass and waste streams can be converted into valuable industrial products through a highly efficient, energy-saving process with strong potential for future commercial deployment.

Next steps for industrial applications

Future research will focus on scaling the electrochemical system for industrial use and evaluating its performance with real wastewater streams. Scientists also plan to develop greener product separation techniques and conduct comprehensive environmental and economic assessments.

By combining renewable feedstocks, wastewater purification, clean electricity, and valuable chemical production in a single platform, the new technology represents a promising step toward more sustainable and resource-efficient chemical manufacturing.