Electrocatalytic Refinery of Biomass-Based 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to Fine Chemicals

Because of depleting fossil-fuel reserves, together with the impacts of climate change, alternative eco-friendly production of high-value chemicals and renewables is needed. Biomass feedstock is of particular research interest. 5-Hydroxymethylfural (HMF) is a versatile precursor that can be converted to high-value chemicals via electrolysis. Reduction generates precursors for ethers, ketones, polyurethanes, polyesters, and polyethers, e.g., 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF) and 2,5-dimethyletrahydrofuran (DHMTHF), together with high-energy-density premium biofuels, e.g., 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), 2,5-hexanedione (HD) and 5,5′-bis(hydroxymethyl) hydrofuroin (BHH). Oxidation HMF yields valuable chemical products,…