A novel platinum nanocatalyst for the oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid under mild conditions

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a key intermediate obtainable from various cellulosic (biomass) derivatives, but it must be converted to other chemicals such as 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) for direct use. FDCA is an important derivative of HMF as it can be used, among other applications, to produce bio-based polymers that currently account for ca. 0.2% of the world's energy consumption. Herein we describe the catalytic oxidation of HMF into FDCA with molecular oxygen using Pt nanoparticles stabilized by PVP in water. A mechanistic investigation involving kinetic modeling and the correlation of nanoparticle size with the different step was undertaken. Subsequent manipulation of the nanoparticle surface via the introduction of an ionic polymer stabilizer afforded Pt nanoparticles that catalyze the transformation of HMF to FDCA under mild conditions in the absence of additives. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.