Efficient targeted acquisition 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid derived from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over novel copper and vanadium oxide-functionalized catalysts

Abstract

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which is recognized as a valuable alternative to petroleum-derived terephthalic acid and produce more bio-based polymers, has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Herein, a series of nitrogen-containing polymer nanosheets bearing Cu2+ and VO2+ (Cu2+-VO2+/PDVTA) were designed and displayed superior catalytic performance in the selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to FDCA. The catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, XPS, TG, UV–Vis DRS, PL, and ICP-AES analysis techniques. The effects of various reaction parameters, including the tert-butyl hydroperoxide dosage, temperature, and solvents on the HMF oxidation were systematically investigated, and the results were discussed in details. The Cu2+-VO2+/PDVTA catalyst achieved 100% conversion of HMF with 98.6% selectivity toward FDCA without the requirement for any basic additives under mild conditions (90 °C, 10 h), as well as has a good reusability. Coupling of the active sites of Cu2+ and VO2+ provide a synergistic effect for FDCA production. This study may provide a novel method for the development of efficient non-precious metal catalyst without addition of alkali additives, benefiting the valorization of furan-based compounds into high-valued chemicals in industrial processes.