Homogeneous Base-Free Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethyfufural to 2, 5-Furandicarboxylic Acid over Au/Mg(OH)2 Catalysts

2, 5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) obtained from selective 5-hydroxymethyfufural (HMF) oxidation is an important biodegradable polyester monomer and its production strongly depends on homogeneous base additives. The production of FDCA over solid base catalyst is green and environment-friendly. Herein, Au/Mg(OH)2 as the metal-solid base catalyst, was prepared by a simple colloidal method and applied to the oxidation of HMF. Detailed characterizations (XRD, TEM, XPS, TGA, CO2-TPD, etc.) were performed to uncover the structure-activity relationship of the catalyst. 92.6 % yield of FDCA was achieved under the optimal reaction condition. Moreover, a plausible mechanism for HMF oxidation over the metal-solid base catalyst was proposed by combining the surface properties of catalyst with the oxidation reaction results.