Abstract
Pairing electrochemical CO(2) reduction (CO(2)RR) with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) significantly limits overall system efficiency due to the high energy demand of the OER and low product value. Here, a scalable electrochemical platform is present that couples CO(2)RR with the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to the high-value product 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Using a bimetallic FeCo-modified Ni-anode, prepared via a Fenton-like surface treatment, achieves >95% FDCA yield and Faradaic efficiency under industrially relevant conditions by oxidizing stable Cannizzaro-derived intermediates. Integration with CO(2)RR in an electrochemical flow cell enables syngas production with tunable H(2)/CO ratios (0.1-4) and >92% overall Faradaic efficiency. Simultaneously, FDCA is produced at the anode with ≈89% Faradaic efficiency and yields exceeding 90%. Economic analysis indicates an 11-12% improvement in overall energy efficiency, with FDCA contributing more than 96% of the system revenue. This work establishes a scalable, energy-efficient platform for concurrent CO(2) utilization and biomass upgrading, advancing sustainable electrochemical production.