Electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural for sustainable 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid production-From mechanism to catalysts design

Catalytic conversion of biomass-based platform chemicals is one of the significant approaches to utilize renewable biomass resources. 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), obtained by an electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), has attracted extensive attention due to the potential of replacing terephthalic acid to synthesize high-performance polymeric materials for commercialization. In the present work, the pH-dependent reaction pathways and factors influencing the degree of functional group oxidation are first discussed. Then the reaction mechanism of HMF oxidation is further elucidated using the representative examples. In addition, the emerging catalyst design strategies (defects, interface engineering) used in HMF oxidation are generalized, and structure-activity relationships between the abovementioned strategies and catalysts performance are analyzed. Furthermore, cathode pairing reactions, such as hydrogen evolution reaction, CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), oxygen reduction reaction, and thermodynamically favorable organic reactions to lower the cell voltage of the electrolysis system, are discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the electrochemical oxidation of HMF for FDCA are presented, focusing on deeply investigated reaction mechanism, coupling reaction, reactor design, and downstream product separation/purification.

Automated summary

Catalytic conversion of biomass-based platform chemicals is a significant approach for utilizing renewable biomass resources. This study focuses on the electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which has the potential to replace terephthalic acid in the synthesis of high-performance polymeric materials. The pH-dependent reaction pathways, factors influencing functional group oxidation, and reaction mechanism of HMF oxidation are discussed. The study also examines emerging catalyst design strategies and their relationship with catalyst performance. Furthermore, cathode pairing reactions and the challenges and prospects of electrochemical oxidation of HMF for FDCA are presented.