Adsorption-mediated efficient glucose electrooxidation on transition metal aerogels for biomass upgradation

The electrocatalytic glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) to produce high value-added chemicals is facilitating the selective conversion and efficient utilization of biomass, while the oxidation products and reaction pathways associated with different transition metals remain insufficiently explored. Herein, the GOR performance on Co, Ni, and Cu metal aerogels was systematically investigated, exhibiting the activity order of Ni > Co > Cu for GOR electrocatalysis. Metal oxyhydroxides (M-OOH) from surface reconstruction of metal aerogels are identified as the actual active species, and the glucose adsorption strength on M-OOH correlated to the GOR properties for metal aerogels are elucidated. <i>In situ</i> characterization studies further revealed the interfacial reaction mechanism and reaction pathway on the Ni aerogel with high activity and formic acid selectivity. Besides, the efficient GOR properties of the Ni aerogel further promoted stable water electrolysis at high current densities. Thus, this study offers constructive guidance for designing high-performance GOR electrocatalysts and establishes a feasible prototype for biomass upgradation.