Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan on Ag‐Displaced Nanotextured Cu Catalysts

Abstract

AbstractThe hydrogenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an important bio‐based platform chemical, to 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), a promising building block for polymers, is conventionally conducted at high pressures of H2 in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts. Recently, electrochemical hydrogenation has emerged as a promising process for BHMF production; however, one challenge of this process is to improve the catalytic activity of the electrocatalyst. In this study, a series of AgCu electrocatalysts was prepared by galvanic displacement of Ag on nanotextured Cu particles. A comprehensive characterization of the catalysts was carried out and the effects of electrolysis potential, reaction time, and HMF concentration were investigated. The concentration of AgNO3 solution in which Cu was displaced was found to be a key factor to control the catalyst surface morphology, and the optimal catalyst was shown to have high catalytic activity and excellent stability for the electrochemical hydrogenation of HMF to BHMF.