Inexpensive but Highly Efficient Co–Mn Mixed-Oxide Catalysts for Selective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid

A highly active and inexpensive Co–Mn mixed-oxide catalyst was prepared and used for selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Co–Mn mixed-oxide catalysts with different Co/Mn molar ratios were prepared through a simple solid-state grinding method—a low-cost and green catalyst preparation method. The activity of these catalysts was evaluated for selective aerobic oxidation of HMF into FDCA in water. Excellent HMF conversion (99 %) and FDCA yield (95 %) were obtained under the best reaction conditions (i.e., 120 °C, 5 h, Co–Mn mixed-oxide catalyst with a Co/Mn molar ratio of 0.25 calcined at 300 °C (Co-Mn-0.25) and 1 MPa O₂). The catalyst could be reused five times without a significant decrease in activity. The results demonstrated that the catalytic activity and selectivity of the Co–Mn mixed-oxide catalysts prepared through solid-state grinding were superior to the same Co–Mn catalyst prepared through a conventional coprecipitation method. The high catalytic activity of the Co-Mn-0.25 catalyst was attributed to its high lattice oxygen mobility and the presence of different valence states of manganese. The high activity and low cost of the Co–Mn mixed-oxide catalysts prepared by solid-state grinding make it promising for industrial application for the manufacturing of polyethylene furanoate, a bioreplacement for polyethylene terephthalate, from sustainable bioresources.