Redox-Switchable Single-Atom Catalyst Enables Efficient Aqueous Hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation.

ABSTRACT: The selective aerobic oxidation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) is a pivotal step toward biobased polymers, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. Yet, most high-performance catalysts require noble metals and organic solvents and lose activity in water. Here, we report a robust and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst comprising mixed-valence single-atom iron dimers anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene acid (Fe-NGA), which mimics the powerful oxidation center in nonheme diiron oxidases. Spectroscopic and theoretical studies reveal a redox-flexible Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ manifold that, under basic aqueous conditions, evolves into a Fe³⁺-Fe⁴⁺ ferryl species capable of highly selective proton-coupled two-electron oxidations. Fe-NGA a

SUBMITTER: Advani JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12723681 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature