Electrocatalysis poses many potential advantages for distributed scale biomass valorization. Furanic biomass derivatives such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can provide access to a number of value-added chemicals by partial oxidation, including furoic acid, maleic acid, and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Here, we have utilized differential reactor studies with online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OLEMS), as well as in situ attenuated total reflectance-surface-enhanced infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS), to probe these reaction pathways on Pt electrodes. We find electro-oxidation selectivity to depend on potential, with the largest shifts corresponding to the transition of Pt to Pt-oxide.  ATR-SEIRAS and OLEMS indicate that decomposition and overoxidation occurs via decarbonylated or decarboxylated ring intermediates. Significant currents are only achieved at potentials where the surface is cleared of CO, which is derived from spontaneous decarbonylation on the metallic Pt surface. Based on these findings, we propose a reaction pathway and will discuss continued developments on the design and characterization of more active and selective electrode materials.<br/>

Electro-oxidation pathways for biomass-derived furans

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.