Selective Electrosynthesis of 2, 5‐Diformylfuran in a Continuous‐Flow System. Issue 3 (18th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yuchi; Li, Wenjing; Cao, Yucai; Chen, Ming; Li, Wenqian; Zai, Jiantao; Iqbal, Asma; Qi, Rongrong; Qian, Xuefeng
• Is Part Of: ChemSusChem. Volume 15:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-18
• Subjects: biomass conversion -- electrochemistry -- electrooxidation -- flow synthesis -- hydrogen evolution reaction; Green chemistry -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202102596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-5631

Abstract

Abstract: The gram‐scale selective oxidation of biomass‐based chemicals, in particular 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), into value‐added 2, 5‐diformylfuran (DFF) has a high application potential but suffers from high cost, low selectivity, and harsh reaction conditions. Besides, the electrooxidation strategy requires the usage of expensive electrodes and struggles with low selectivity and efficiency, which restricts its further scaled‐up application. In this regard, a continuous‐flow system was developed through redox mediator I − /I2 for the efficient synthesis of DFF, which could accelerate the mass transfer of I − (I2 ) to aqueous (organic) phase and avoid over‐oxidation to achieve high selectivity. After the solvent system, iodine concentration, and reaction time were optimized, highly efficient DFF synthesis (selectivity >99 %) could be achieved in the electrochemical flow system using inexpensive graphite felt (GF) as electrode. Moreover, selective HMF oxidation was paired with the hydrogen evolution reaction with increased efficiency after using in‐situ‐loaded GF‐CoS2 /CoS and GF‐Pt electrodes. As a result, the required energy to achieve the gram‐scale synthesis of DFF was significantly reduced, demonstrating outstanding potential for large‐scale production of the target product. Abstract : Go with the flow : A continuous‐flow system with redox mediator I − /I2 is used for synthesis of 2, 5‐diformylfuran (DFF). After optimization, highly efficient DFF synthesis (selectivity >99 %) is achieved in the electrochemical flow system using inexpensive graphite felt as electrode. Moreover, selective 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation is paired with hydrogen evolution reaction with increased efficiency.