2D/2D MXene/g-C3N4 for photocatalytic selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-formylfuran

The selective oxidation of 5-hydroxyfurfural (HMF) into the corresponding aldehyde is one of the key reactions in the production of chemical products. Here, we prepared the MXene/g-C3N4 composite (MX/CN) for photocatalytic selective oxidation of HMF into 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF). At the mild reaction conditions, both DFF selectivity and yield can reach up to ≥ 90% over 6% MX/CN. In addition, the MX/CN also shows high activity for selective oxidation of other non-aromatic and aromatic alcohols. Moreover, the reaction conditions are surveyed and the mechanism has been studied. This study provides a way for HMF conversion under mild conditions.