Electrocatalytic n-valeraldehyde oxidation reaction was an inexpensive and eco-friendly method to control n-valeraldehyde contamination and produce high value-added octane. However, low-cost and readily available electrocatalysts with high current efficiency were urgently needed. Herein, two-dimensional porous carbon derived from pollen with enlarged interlayer distance was built by alkali activation method, applying in electrocatalytic n-valeraldehyde oxidation reaction. The enlarged interlayer distance was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope (HAADF-STEM). Electrocatalytic experiments consequences showed activated biomass derived carbon possessed a higher electrocatalytic activity and octane selectivity than unactivated catalyst. Systematic tests and in situ infrared experiments demonstrated that enlarged interlayer distance was positively correlated with specific surface area of catalysts, large specific surface area provided abundant absorption sites, facilitated the adsorption for n-valeraldehyde, and further promoted the transformation of n-valeraldehyde to octane. This work also provides a new avenue for creating high-performance electrocatalysts in terms of lattice engineering.

Graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, is a novel carbon material that has attracted a lot of attention in the field of membrane materials as its ability to achieve layer-by-layer stacking and the formation of nanochannels between the lamellae makes it excellent for selective separation of substances. In this paper, the separation mechanism of the GO membrane is summarized. According to the different separation substances, the separation mechanism of graphene oxide membrane is reviewed from two aspects of metal ions and organic pollutants. Next, the preparation methods of graphene oxide membranes is introduced, such as spin-coating, vacuum filtration, dip-coating, spraying, and layer-by-layer self-assembly, followed by a review on the structural regulation of GO. Finally, this paper concludes with an overview of the potential development prospects and challenges of GO membranes.