Electrocatalytic Oxidation on CuO-CoMOF for Biomass-Derived Glucose Integrated with Green Hydrogen Generation

Electrocatalytic of biomass-derived glucose into formic acid integrated with hydrogen generation represents a highly advantageous strategy for sustainable biomass utilization and carbon neutrality, but is frequently hindered by high energy demands and suboptimal conversion efficiency. Herein, a CuO-CoMOF/NF catalyst is reported, comprising a rough nanorod array CuO grown on nickel foam (NF) and decorated with Co-Metal-Organic Framework (Co-MOF), which demonstrates extraordinary performance and stability at a low potential of 1.45 V (vs RHE), achieving a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 98.5% and a formic acid production rate of 1.4 mmol cm^-2 h^-1, significantly outperforming that of CuO/NF catalyst. The remarkable performance is primarily attributed to the instantaneous formation of CoOOH active species on the surface of the catalyst, which synergistically promotes the swift consumption of glucose through spontaneous chemical reactions, enhancing charge transfer and optimizing the adsorption behavior of the catalyst. Notably, at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2, the voltage requires for a two-electrode electrolyzer is 494 mV lower than that for conventional overall water splitting. This study offers new perspectives for the rational design of electrocatalysts for the efficient conversion of biomass-derived alcohols into value-added chemicals while simultaneously generating hydrogen.