Optimizing the Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol on a Bimetallic Ag-Cu Catalyst

Abstract

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation is an economical and ecofriendly route to valorize biomass into high-value-added chemicals and biofuels at mild temperature and pressure. Among biomass-derived platform molecules, the conversion of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol (FA) via electrocatalytic hydrogenation shows great potential. However, the traditional Cu-based catalysts are facing series of issues, such as low Faradaic efficiency (FE) and diversified product distribution. In this work, a bimetallic Ag-Cu electrocatalyst was prepared via a two-step electrodeposition, displaying a distinguished performance with 93.5% of selectivity and 90.3% of FE for FA product, respectively. Through comprehensive characterizations and theoretical calculations, it was demonstrated that the synergistic effects of the bimetallic Ag-Cu could accelerate the rate-determining proton-coupled electron transfer step and regulate the adsorption energy of intermediate species, such as *H and *FF. This strategy can greatly optimize the conversion process and increase the FE of FA product by restraining the hydrogen evolution reaction. The as-developed bimetallic synergy approach provides a new strategy for the rational design of highly efficient electrocatalysts for FF conversion by regulating reaction pathways and balancing intermediate adsorption.