Electrosynthesis for Biomass Refining and Green H2 by Ni(OH)2-V2O3 Heterostructure: Tailoring Oxygen Vacancies and Electronic Interaction

Abstract

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a key biomass-derived molecule with potential to replace petrochemical-based terephthalic acid in sustainable polymer production. Electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to FDCA (HMFOR), coupled with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), offers a green and efficient route for simultaneous chemical upgrading and clean hydrogen generation. Herein, we report a Ni(OH)2-V2O3 heterostructured catalyst on nickel foam Ni(OH)2-V2O3, prepared via electrodeposition. The heterojunction structure creates oxygen vacancies, enhances charge transfer, which improves catalytic activity toward both HMFOR and HER. The electrodes exhibited a wide potential application range from 1.40 to 1.70 V vs. RHE and afforded 97.5% FDCA yields and 97.4% faradaic efficiencies (FE). Moreover, the catalyst proves effective in facilitating the oxidation of various alcohols, achieving yields greater than 96%. In a two-electrode configuration, the system generates 25 mL of hydrogen at the cathode within 50 minutes, achieving nearly 100% FE. This work provides a promising approach to integrated biomass valorization and hydrogen production using cost-effective, non-precious catalysts.