Synergy in magnetic Ni_(x)Co_(1)O_(y) oxides enables base-free selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural on loaded Au nanoparticles

The base-free aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid(FDCA)in water is recognized as an important and sustainable upgrading process for cellulosic carbohydrates.However,selectivity control still remains a challenge.Here,we disclose that the unique synergy in magnetic Ni_(x)Co_(1)O_(y)(x=1,3 and 5) bimetallic oxides can induce reactive oxygen defects and simultaneously stabilize small-sized metallic Au nanoparticles in the Au/Ni_(x)Co_(1)O_(y)catalysts.Such catalytic features render effective adsorption and activation of O_(2),OH and C=O groups,realizing selective oxidation of HMF to FDCA.On a series of magnetic Au/Ni_(x)Co_(1)O_(y)catalysts with almost identical Au loadings(ca.0.5 wt%) and particle sizes(ca.2.7 nm),the variable Ni/Co molar ratios give rise to the tunable electron density of Au sites and synergistic effect between NiO and CoO_(y).The initial conversion rates of HMF and its derived intermediates(i.e., DFF,HMFCA and FFCA) show a volcano-like dependence on the number of oxygen defects(i.e.,O_(2)^(-)and O^(-)) and electron-rich Au0sites.The optimum Au/Ni3Co1Oycatalyst exhibits a highest productivity of FDCA(12.5 mmol_(FDCA)mol_(Au)^(-1)h^(-1)) among all the Au catalysts in the literature and achieves> 99% yield of FDCA at 120℃ and 10 bar of O_(2).In addition,this catalyst can be easily recovered by a magnet and show superior stability and reusability during six consecutive cycling tests.This work may shed a light on Au catalysis for the base-free oxidation of biomass compounds by smartly using the synergy in bimetallic oxide carriers.