Valorization of 5-Hydroxymethil furfural through thermal and photocatalysis

Photocatalysis represents a more sustainable alternative to thermal catalysis, enabling reactions to proceed under light irradiation at lower temperature. When visible light is utilized, reactions can be driven by solar energy, reducing both the production costs for companies and the environmental footprint. This work explores the use of photocatalysis for the selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), employing various catalysts and various wavelengths trying to find the optimal configuration to maximize the yield of one of the key products, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Once the most effective catalysts were identified, the reactions were led in continuous flow reactor system to achieve a steady production of FDCA. This product is a precursor a biobased plastics that can be used as an alternative to classic fossil-based plastics further improving the process sustainability.