Superseding the oxygen evolution reaction with the thermodynamically
favorable and economically attractive organic oxidation reaction is
crucial to acquiring eco-friendly hydrogen production via an electrochemical
process coupled with renewable energy. A bifunctional electrocatalyst,
Ru@Ni
x
Co1–x
(OH)2, featuring a dandelion-liked structure and
assembled into a two-electrode configuration, requires a voltage of
1.35 V for cathode H2 and anode 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid.
The heteronuclear bridging atoms at the Ru–Ni sites accelerate
water splitting through the Volmer–Tafel mechanism and enhance
the *H coverage, as demonstrated by in situ spectroscopy and electrochemical
analysis. Simultaneously, the Ru–Co sites serve as adsorption
sites for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, achieving 100% Faradic efficiency
and selectivity. Upon upscaling the configuration to a 2 × 2
cm2 membrane electrode assembly reactor, an FDCA production
rate of 243 mg/h was achieved, with electricity savings of approximately
0.67 kWh/m3 (H2). This work offers a promising
avenue for concurrent hydrogen production and biomass upgrading with
industrial practicability.