Biomass Valorization via Paired Electrosynthesis Over Vanadium Nitride‐Based Electrocatalysts

Abstract

Paired electrosynthesis is a promising technology with the potential to generate value-added products at both electrodes in a cost-effective manner. Herein, 3D vanadium nitride (VN) and Pd/VN hollow nanospheres are successfully fabricated and coupled to carry out simultaneous electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) and electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and 2,5-bishydroxymethyl-tetrahydrofuran (DHMTHF), respectively. VN shows excellent ECO performance with high HMF conversion (≥98%), FDCA selectivity (≥96%), and faradaic efficiency (≥84%) after a stability test, and Pd/VN achieves high ECH selectivity for DHMTHF at ≥88% and an HMF conversion of ≥90%, with a faradaic efficiency of ≥86%. VN and Pd/VN incorporated into a membrane electrode assembly in a paired electrolysis system shows potential for large-scale biomass conversion and upgrading. Theoretical calculations reveal that the higher performance of VN for the production of ECO can be attributed to its lower d-band center level relative to the Fermi level compared to that of V 2 O 5 , which favors HMF chemisorption and activation. This study paves the way for developing paired electrosynthesis technologies with the potential for biomass utilization and energy conversion.

Interfacial Engineering of MoO2‐FeP Heterojunction for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Coupled with Biomass Electrooxidation

“…[ 10–13 ] However, most reported electrocatalysts are only active for single HER or BEOR. [ 14,15 ] Developing non‐noble metal bifunctional HER/BEOR electrocatalysts that can simplify the manipulation and reduce the cost is highly desirable for the practical applications of this system, but it is still a challenge.…”

Paired electrocatalytic hydrogenation and oxidation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural for efficient production of biomass-derived monomers

“…Despite these benefits, there are only a few reports of paired electrocatalytic conversion of HMF in literature. 33,34 Herein, we demonstrate the paired electrocatalytic conversion of HMF to BHMF and FDCA. A self-synthesized Ag/C catalyst facilitated HMF hydrogenation to BHMF with enhanced faradaic efficiency compared to a polycrystalline Ag electrode.…”

Ag Electrodeposited on Cu Open‐Cell Foams for the Selective Electroreduction of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural

“…Nano‐ and macro‐structuring largely increases the available surface area and therefore the productivity. Electrodes with nanoporous metal structures (such as Ag displaced nanotextured Cu electrodes, and Pd/VN hollow nanospheres sprayed into a bipolar membrane) are successfully applied in the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of HMF into 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (DHMTHF) . The unique morphology of the 3D hollow nanospheres provides materials with low resistance diffusion channels, facilitating diffusion and ion transport of the electrolyte.…”