Ag/graphene electrode for the electrochemical conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-hexanedione at ambient pressure and temperature

Here we report the performance in 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) reduction of Ag-graphene-based electrode. The prepared nanocomposite, synthesized according to a "wet chemistry" approach, was broadly characterized: SEM images and XRD spectrum indicate the formation of nanoparticles dispersed on fewlayers graphene. A multimodal pore distribution, indicating a network of larger and smaller pores enabling electrode wettability and exposing surface nanoparticles, was evaluated. The sample was tested for the oxidation of HMF in a sulfate buffer solution. A very high overpotential gap between hydrogen production and HMF conversion was demonstrated. High efficiency (FE = 65.1%) and selectivity (70.2%), with little amount of bis(hydroxymethyl)furan by-product (FE < 6%), were demonstrated.