Electrocatalytic reduction of furfural with high selectivity to furfuryl alcohol using AgPd alloy nanoparticles

Abstract

AgPd alloy nanoparticles were applied for the electrocatalytic reduction of furfural (2-furfuraldehyde). Constant potential electrolysis experiments were carried out and furfural conversions and product selectivities to furfuryl alcohol were systematically investigated to elucidate the alloy composition–catalytic property relationship. AgPd catalysts exhibited faradaic efficiencies to furfuryl alcohol over 95% for Ag₆₀Pd₄₀ at low overpotentials in neutral, aqueous electrolyte.