Integrating Electrocatalytic 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation and Hydrogen Production via Co–P-Derived Electrocatalysts

Abstract

Electrocatalytic biomass valorization with renewable energy input represents a promising way to produce sustainable and nonfossil-based carbon products. Even more desirable is that the oxidative biomass upgrading can be integrated with H2 production in a single electrolyzer. Herein, we report that electrodeposited Co–P can act as competent electrocatalysts for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) at the anode and H2 production at the cathode simultaneously in alkaline media. When serving as a catalyst precursor on the anode, Co–P was able to achieve a current density of 20 mA/cm2 for HMF oxidation in 1.0 M KOH with 50 mM HMF at 1.38 V vs RHE, prior to the takeoff of the competing reaction, O2 evolution. Long-term chronoamperometry demonstrated a nearly 100% conversation of HMF and a ∼90% yield of FDCA. When HMF oxidation and H2 evolution were integrated in one electrolyzer with a Co–P/Co–P catalyst couple, the potential required to achieve a current density of 20 mA...