Chemocatalytic Oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-furandicarboxylic Acid Over Nickel Cobalt Oxide

The present study reports the synthesis, characterization, and application of NiCo bimetallic catalysts to produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) via the oxidation of bio-renewable 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). FDCA is a biopolymer precursor and a potential replacement for terephthalic acid (TPA). The catalysts were synthesized via the co-precipitation method in different molar ratios of NiCo, followed by calcination in a muffle furnace. As a result, the complete conversion of HMF and a maximum 84.89 % FDCA yield was measured at 50 degrees C in 50 minutes in the presence of NiCo(3 : 1) catalyst. In addition, effect reaction parameters, including catalyst amount, temperature, time, base, and oxidant amount on the FDCA yield, were studied, and the process was optimized. The NiCo(3 : 1) catalyst showed a negligible loss in activity for at least five cycles. The higher catalytic activity and stability are attributed to the synergistic effect of bimetallic catalysts, such as higher lattice oxygen. Accordingly, the catalyst was characterized using BET, XRD, H2-TPR, CO2-TPD, HR-TEM, and XPS to correlate their properties and activity. The reaction products were analyzed quantitatively using HPLC and qualitatively using HR-MS. The oxidation reaction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural has been carried out using bimetallic nickel cobalt catalyst to produce into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). It is observed that higher lattice oxygen and oxygen mobility of bimetallic catalysts are responsible for better FDCA yield. Maximum 84.9 % FDCA yield is measured using NiCo (3 : 1) catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide oxidant at 50 degrees C in 50 minutes. image