Selective two-electron electrocatalytic conversion of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural boosting hydrogen production under neutral condition over Co(OH)2-CeO2 catalyst

The coupling of electrocatalytic oxidation of biomass derivatives with hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a promising strategy to promote hydrogen production, but it is extremely challenging to control the mild electrocatalytic conversion of biomass to high value-added chemicals simultaneously. A Co(OH)2-CeO2 self-supported catalyst is constructed and used as anode for selective electrocatalytic conversion of biomass derivative 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) coupled with HER in two-chamber electrolysis system. The adjusting of pH and potential regulates the oxidation ability of hydroxyl and aldehyde groups, achieving selective two-electron electrocatalytic conversion of HMF to 2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA) with a selectivity of 89.4%. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that the evolution of Co multivalent active species at different electrolysis conditions is key to the selective oxidation of HMF. In addition, the hydrogen production coupled with selective electrocatalytic conversion of HMF is 4.1 times that of the water splitting system, revealing its potential in developing clean energy.