One-pot preparation of CuOx-CoOy heterostructure decorated on graphene for highly efficient oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA).

Dense CuO x -CoO y nano-heterostructures were uniformly assembled on the surface of graphene by one-pot method under mild reaction conditions through the induced assembly of PVP and reduction of NaBH 4. Owing to the combination (e.g. suitable surface electronic structure and good catalytic kinetics) of graphene and CuO x -CoO y heterostructures, this material exhibited excellent selectivity, catalytic activity and cycle stability in the oxidation of HMF to value-added chemical FDCA with NaClO as oxidant at 30 °C. [Display omitted] • Dense CuO x -CoO y heterostructures assembled on graphene surface by one-pot method. • PVP reduced the size of CuO x -CoO y and enhanced metal loading on graphene. • Heterostructure regulated electronic states and promoted charge transfer process. • CuO x -CoO y -PVP/G shows high catalytic performance on the conversion of HMF to FDCA. Dense CuO x -CoO y nano-heterostructures were uniformly assembled on the surface of graphene via surfactant induced assembly and hydrolysis with the presence of PVP and NaBH 4. As-prepared CuO x -CoO y -PVP/G composite exhibited excellent performance for selective oxidation of 5-HMF to FDCA in aqueous solution with NaClO as oxidant at 30 °C, which is comparable to noble metal catalysts. The outstanding performance can be attributed to fascinating synergetic contributions from the CuO x -CoO y heterostructure on graphene substrate, giving improved interfacial contact, increased active sites and accelerated electron transfer process to promote the catalytic reaction. This work provides a high-performing catalyst for oxidation of 5-HMF to FDCA, as well as an ideal design of metal-oxide heterostructures/graphene composite catalysts for more broad applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]