Strategies for controlling gas evolution reactions to boost the divergent paired electrochemical upgrading of furfural in acidic environment

Abstract

Electrochemical methods for catalytic furfural conversion have drawn significant interest in both academic and industrial research communities. Paired electrocatalytic conversion has been identified as a promising strategy for reducing energy consumption and promoting carbon neutrality. To optimize product distribution and conversion efficiency, we have developed a divergent paired electrochemical upgrading approach for furfural in acidic environments, with a focus on prioritizing strong gas evolution reactions and product transformations. The high electrocatalytic activity of CuSn/CuF@Cu prepared by electrodeposition can effectively inhibit the hydrogen evolution. The performance of the electrocatalysts and the pathways of electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of furfural to 2-methylfuran (MF) were investigated by combination of experiments and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A stable Ti/PbO2 electrode with high oxygen evolution overpotential was prepared for anodic electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) and the product transformation route was described. The conversion of furfural to maleic acid (MA) and MF in acidic environment was successfully achieved. In the paired electrosynthesis system, the electrons generated from anodic ECO of furfural are utilized in valuable and controllable cathodic ECH. It significantly and continuously reduces the power cost associated with renewable energy sources and further promotes the development of biomass electrochemical conversion.