Introducing Fe Into Cu‐Based Catalyst to Boost Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural

Abstract Converting biomass‐derived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into high‐valued 2,5‐dihydroxymethylfurfural (DHMF) via electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) technology has been widely regarded as one of the most economical and eco‐friendly routes. The high selectivity and activity depend on the reasonable regulation of the adsorption and activation of adsorbed hydrogen (H*) and HMF on the surface of the electrocatalyst. Herein, we report nanoflower‐like CuFe‐based electrocatalysts on copper foam (CF) substrates (CuFeO x /CF). DHMF was achieved on the optimal CuFeO x /CF with a selectivity of 93.3 % and a yield of 90.1 %. The H*, HMF and product were observed by in situ attuned total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). Moreover, in situ Raman spectra discloses the reconstruction of catalyst into CuFe‐bimetal with low valence state. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that introducing Fe plays a role in regulating the electronic structure of Cu sites, which facilitate the generation of H* and adsorption of HMF, thus hampering the occurrence of dimerization. This study provides an innovative idea for the rational design of non‐precious bimetallic electrocatalysts for ECH to produce high‐valued chemicals.