External Magnetic Field Enhances Biomass Electrooxidation

Abstract

External fields in regulating catalyst structure and tailoring catalytic performance have garnered significant attention from researchers. In this study, an external magnetic field was introduced into biomass conversion and employed as an effective means to accelerate electrocatalytic oxidation. An ox-NiCoP electrocatalyst was fabricated as an electrocatalyst for the oxidation of 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Upon application of a 0.48 T magnetic field, the conversion of BHMF and the yield of FDCA were increased by 27.8 % and 27.5 %, respectively. The reaction time was shortened by 3.8 h compared to the reaction without a magnetic field. Kinetic analysis revealed that the magnetic field significantly reduced the charge transfer resistance and accelerated the kinetics of the BHMF oxidation reaction (BHMFOR), achieving a maximum reaction rate constant (k) of 2.53 h⁻¹. The enhancement mechanism was attributed to the magnetic field-induced convection at the electrode surface via the Lorentz force, which improved BHMF diffusion between the catalytic interface and the electrolyte. This work highlights the promotive effect of an external magnetic field in the electrocatalytic conversion of organic molecules.