Mechanochemical synthesis of cobalt/copper fluorophosphate generates a multifunctional electrocatalyst

Abstract

The utilisation of inductive effects is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance material properties. Within the context of electrocatalysis, such effects may alter an active site's electronic structure and consequently, its catalytic activity. To this end, we introduce catalytically active cobalt species within an electron-withdrawing copper fluorophosphate host via a mechanochemical synthetic method. The resulting mixed-metal material features exceptional performance towards electrochemical water oxidation (η of ∼300 mV for 100 mA cm⁻²) and biomass valorisation (95% selectivity for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid conversion), thus opening avenues for the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts.