Catalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid using Co-N/C catalysts with stepwise base addition approach

• Published in: Next materials 2024-10, Vol.5, p.100227, Article 100227
• Main Authors: Kumar, Reeti, Wang, Peixin, Xue, Wenhua, Jia, Yuewen, Zhu, Zhi, Luo, Liwen, Wong, Jonathan Woon-Chung, Zhao, Jun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid; 5-hydroxymethylfurfural; Aerobic oxidation; Biomass conversion; Heterogeneous catalysis
• ISSN: 2949-8228; 2949-8228
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2024.100227

The production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) through green reaction routes is of crucial scientific value for the production of sustainable polymers. This study explores the active centers in cobalt-nitrogen-doped carbon (Co-N/C) for FDCA production. It was established that Co-Nx synergistically along with the nitrogen-doped carbon acted as centers for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation. This study demonstrates a sustainable method for FDCA production from HMF without using precious metals, organic solvents, and harsh basic environments. Co-N/C catalyst displayed a high FDCA yield of ∼90% in an aqueous medium under mildly basic conditions in 34 h with 100% HMF conversion. An innovative strategy of stepwise base addition has been proposed to effectively accelerate the generation reaction of FDCA. The detrimental effects of high heating rate and calcination temperature on the active centers were also thoroughly investigated. Through DFT simulations it was established that Co-Nx aided in the activation of oxygen for HMF oxidation.