Structural Modification of MnO2 Enhances Photothermal Catalysis for Selective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

Photothermal activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) is an efficient strategy for selectively oxidizing biomass-derived platform chemicals, yet precise control of 1 O 2 production to prevent overoxidation remains challenging. Here, we reported an innovative Na + -induced acid-resistant MnO 2 catalyst that enhanced PMS photothermal activation, achieving precise 1 O 2 regulation and selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (FFCA) with a 90.0% yield. Na + incorporation significantly increased oxygen vacancy (OV) density and altered the MnO 2 electronic structure, promoting the formation of high-valent Mn species and enhancing 1 O 2 generation. This work offers a unique approach for designing OV-rich catalysts for photothermal PMS-based advanced oxidation process (AOP), providing insights into efficient catalytic systems for selective oxidation.