An Efficient Catalyst from Electrochemical Self-Reconstruction of Nifepba/Ni(Oh)2 for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Electrooxidation to Produce High-Valued 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid

Abstract

The utilization of sustainable lignocellulosic biomass for the production of high-value products could potentially solve the intensive reliance on fossil fuels. 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), obtained from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation, is a significant precursor for biomass converted high-value chemicals. Nowadays, the rational design of pre-catalysts via electrochemical self-reconstruction provides an opportunity to design efficient catalysts for electrooxidation process. In this study, we developed a pre-catalyst consisting of nanoscale cubic NiFePBA anchored on Ni(OH)2. After electrochemical reconstruction, it demonstrated superior HMF oxidation reaction (HMFOR) performance. The results indicate that the electrochemical self-reconstruction process transforms nanoscale cubic NiFePBA into nanosheeted FeNiOOH reactive substances, which forms a defect-rich heterostructure with Ni(OH)2. The small amount of Fe atoms and the characteristics of defect-rich heterogeneous structures of the catalysts are beneficial for the conductivity of catalysts and the adsorption of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further indicated that the reconstructed NiFePBA/Ni(OH)2-R has faster reaction kinetics and lower reaction potential in the electrocatalytic oxidation of HMF, and it exhibits remarkable performance, achieving 99.1% conversion of HMF, 98.5% selectivity for FDCA, and a Faradaic efficiency of 94.2%. This work provides valuable guidance for the design of high-performance HMFOR electrocatalysts.

Keywords: 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural electrooxidation, pre-catalysts, self-reconstruction