Oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over a magnetic iron oxide decorated rGO supporting Pt nanocatalyst

2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is an environmental friendly substitution for oil dependent PET polymers, which can obtain from the carbohydrate-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). A Fe3O4 decorated reduced graphene oxide supporting platinum nanocatalyst (Pt/Fe3O4/rGO) was prepared and applied on FDCA synthesis from HMF oxidation in base-free water medium. Experimental results show that introduction of Fe3O4 can increase the Pt utilization, the catalytic activity and recycling property of the catalyst. The dispersion of Pt was found increased about 10% by decorating with Fe3O4, based on both electrochemical active and chemical adsorption surface area. The enhanced activation of alcohol and aldehyde at the Pt/Fe3O4 interface was evidenced by electrochemical measurement. 100% conversion of HMF and over 98% yield of FDCA has been demonstrated using Pt/Fe3O4/rGO catalyst in aqueous solution, after 8 h under mild conditions. The reaction rate is twice higher as that for Pt/rGO catalyst. And the Pt/Fe3O4/rGO catalyst can be easily magnetically recycled and reused without significant loss of activity after 5 times recycles.