Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan on Ag‐Displaced Nanotextured Cu Catalysts

Abstract The hydrogenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an important bio‐based platform chemical, to 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), a promising building block for polymers, is conventionally conducted at high pressures of H 2 in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts. Recently, electrochemical hydrogenation has emerged as a promising process for BHMF production; however, one challenge of this process is to improve the catalytic activity of the electrocatalyst. In this study, a series of AgCu electrocatalysts was prepared by galvanic displacement of Ag on nanotextured Cu particles. A comprehensive characterization of the catalysts was carried out and the effects of electrolysis potential, reaction time, and HMF concentration were investigated. The concentration of AgNO 3 solution in which Cu was displaced was found to be a key factor to control the catalyst surface morphology, and the optimal catalyst was shown to have high catalytic activity and excellent stability for the electrochemical hydrogenation of HMF to BHMF.