Simultaneous Electrochemical Upgrading of Biomass and CO <sub>2</sub> Utilization Using Fe/Ni‐Derived Carbon Nanotubes Derived from CO <sub>2</sub>
Anousha Sohail, Watinee Nunthakitgoson, Sorasak Klinyod, Anawat Thivasasith, Anittha Prasertsab, Peeranat Chaipornchalerm, Warot Prasanseang, Wanmai Srisuwanno, Poobodin Mano, Somlak Ittisanronnachai, Supawadee Namuangruk, Chularat Wattanakit
Abstract
Abstract Fossil fuel consumption has caused petroleum shortages and increased carbon emissions; thus, utilizing renewable resources in biorefineries for biomass‐derived chemical synthesis is promising. Among them, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a key alternative to terephthalic acid (PTA) for sustainable polyester production. In this work, we demonstrate an efficient approach for the simultaneous production of FDCA while utilizing carbon dioxide (CO₂) via an electrochemical approach. Complete electrooxidation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) at the anode yields FDCA, while CO₂ reduction at the cathode produces valuable compounds such as carbon monoxide (CO). This concurrent HMF electrooxidation and CO₂ electroreduction strategy enables high‐value chemical production at mild conditions. In addition, we developed efficient single catalysts, FeNi metals supported on CO₂‐derived multi‐walled carbon nanotubes deposited on nickel foam (FeNiCNTs/NF) as both the anode and the cathode for HMF oxidation and CO 2 reduction, respectively. Remarkably, faradaic efficiencies reached 99.60% for FDCA (FE FDCA ) at the anode and 96.25% for CO (FE CO ) at the cathode. This study highlights the effective use of synthesized non‐noble metals supported on CO₂‐derived CNTs for integrated biorefinery and CO₂ utilization.