AgCu Bimetallic Electrocatalysts for the Reduction of Biomass-Derived Compounds

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c02896
• Publication Date: 2021-05-11T19:00:39Z
• Authors: Giancosimo Sanghe...; Phuoc H. Ho; Adriano Sacco; Simelys Hernández; Juan-Jesús Velasc...; Francesca Ospitali; Alessandro Paglianti; Stefania Albonetti; Giuseppe Fornasari; Patricia Benito
• Keywords: Bimetallic strip; Galvanic cell; Particle (ecology)

The electrochemical transformation of biomass-derived compounds (e.g., aldehyde electroreduction to alcohols) is gaining increasing interest due the sustainability this process that can be exploited produce value-added products from biowastes and renewable electricity. In framework, conversion 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) studied. Nanostructured Ag deposited on Cu an active selective electrocatalyst for formation BHMF in basic media. However, catalyst deserves further research elucidate role morphology size coated particles its performance as well actual surface composition stability. Herein, open-cell foams by electrodeposition galvanic displacement generate different morphologies, deepening particle growth mechanism, samples are compared with bare foams. chemical–physical properties as-prepared spent catalysts correlated electroactivity HMF selectivity toward during electroreduction. AgCu bimetallic nanoparticles or dendrites formed electrodeposited displaced catalysts, respectively, whose Cu-enriched along tests. Both types evidence a superior electroactive area enhanced charge mass transfer comparison These features together synergistic between superficial sites could related twofold Ag/Cu BHMF, is, >80% ∼ 100% conversion, productivity values (0.206 0.280 mmol cm–2 h–1) ca. 1.5–3 times higher than those previously reported.