Ni-Based Catalysts for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Electrooxidation Coupled with Hydrogen Production

Abstract

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of Ni-based catalysts for the co-electrolysis of H2O and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under alkaline conditions, enabling the co-production of low-carbon hydrogen and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a key biobased platform chemical. First, recent advances in elucidating the mechanism of HMF electrooxidation (HMFOR) to FDCA on Ni are examined. Next, an in-depth evaluation of the HMFOR performance of various Ni-based catalysts is provided, highlighting the effects of doping or combining Ni with transition metals such as Fe, Co, Cu, and Mn, as well as multimetallic compositions. Finally, HMFOR activity is compared across recent studies to identify key trends and propose research directions for scaling this technology to an industrial level.