Efficient biobased carboxylic acids synthesis by synergistic electrocatalysis of multi-active sites on bimetallic Cu-Co oxide/oxyhydroxide

In this study, we reported a low-cost and highly efficient bimetallic Cu-Co oxide/oxyhydroxide electrocatalyst (CuOCoOOH) for synthesizing bio-based carboxylic acids. The incorporation of Cu in CuOCoOOH enhanced substrate absorption, defect construction, and the formation of high valence active species, thus significantly improving the electrooxidation performance of the catalyst. The electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural with CuOCoOOH exhibited an excellent yield (98%) of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with a Faradaic efficiency of 98%. Density functional theory calculations revealed the effectiveness of substrate adsorption ability and oxygen vacancy formation of CuOCoOOH in improving the electrooxidation performance. Additionally, 12 carboxylic acids were successfully produced from bio-based alcohols/aldehydes with excellent yields of 96.4–99%. In summary, non-noble bimetallic electrocatalyst was successfully developed for synthesizing value-added bio-based platform chemicals in practical. This study provides a tandem valorization route of electrocatalysis and biorefinery toward a more carbon-neutral and sustainable industry.