ZnO nanorods on POPD/GCN/TCFP with ternary synergy for promoting electro-oxidation of furfuryl alcohol

Abstract

In this work, Poly(o-phenylenediamine) (POPD) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on GCN (graphitic carbon nitride) coated TCFP (Toray carbon fiber paper) electrode. The modified electrode ZnO-POPD-GCN-TCFP was assessed by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. The electrochemical studies were carried out via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) methods. The developed electrode was employed for the oxidation of furfuryl alcohol (FA) using 4-ACT (4-acetamido TEMPO) as a mediator in an alkaline medium via bulk electrolysis. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the final product. The oxidation of FA to furfural was accelerated by the heterogeneous catalyst ZnO-POPD-GCN-TCFP electrode owing to its good electrocatalytic activity and stability. Hence, a sustainable electrochemical method for synthesizing furfural, with significance in the realm of green chemistry, was developed. The Electro-oxidation of FA offers a clean alternative to traditional methods utilizing electricity, potentially from renewable sources, to drive the reaction, reducing reliance on harsh chemicals and minimizing environmental impact. By adjusting parameters like electrode potential and electrolyte composition, it is possible to optimize the reaction conditions for furfural production with optimal yield, which has several applications in daily life.