Constructing Heteronuclear Bridging Atoms toward Bifunctional Electrocatalysis
Minkai Qin, Jiadong Chen, Menghui Qi, Hao Wang, Shanjun Mao, Lingling Xi, Yong Wang
Abstract
Superseding the oxygen evolution reaction with the thermodynamically favorable and economically attractive organic oxidation reaction is crucial to acquiring eco-friendly hydrogen production via an electrochemical process coupled with renewable energy. A bifunctional electrocatalyst, Ru@Ni x Co 1– x (OH) 2, featuring a dandelion-liked structure and assembled into a two-electrode configuration, requires a voltage of 1.35 V for cathode H 2 and anode 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid. The heteronuclear bridging atoms at the Ru–Ni sites accelerate water splitting through the Volmer–Tafel mechanism and enhance the *H coverage, as demonstrated by in situ spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis. Simultaneously, the Ru–Co sites serve as adsorption sites for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, achieving 100% Faradic efficiency and selectivity. Upon upscaling the configuration to a 2 × 2 cm 2 membrane electrode assembly reactor, an FDCA production rate of 243 mg/h was achieved, with electricity savings of approximately 0.67 kWh/m 3 (H 2 ). This work offers a promising avenue for concurrent hydrogen production and biomass upgrading with industrial practicability.