Toward Maximizing\nthe Ag–CeO<sub>2</sub> Interface\nand Rich Oxygen Vacancies for Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidation of\n5‑Hydroxymethylfurfural

In the pursuit of high-selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural\n(HMF) to valuable derivatives such as 5-hydroxymethylfuroic acid (HMFCA),\n5-formyl-2-furanoic acid (FFCA), and furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA),\nwe have developed a diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-assisted\nstrategy to construct a highly effective photothermal catalyst with\nmaximized Ag–CeO<sub>2</sub> interfaces and rich oxygen vacancies.\nUnder optimal reaction conditions, this catalyst achieves remarkable\nyields of 99% for HMFCA, 99% for FFCA with a turnover frequency (TOF)\nof 163 h<sup>–1</sup>, and 98% for FDCA. Combined theoretical\ncalculations and a series of characterization analyses reveal that\nthe superior performance is due to the unique properties of the maximized\nAg–CeO<sub>2</sub> interfaces and the rich oxygen vacancies,\nwhich enhance electron transport and synergistically enhance the catalytic\nactivity of silver clusters. In contrast to other photocatalytic oxidation\nsystems for HMF, this work showcases high selectivity in the oxidation\nof HMF to HMFCA, FFCA, and FDCA. These findings not only elucidate\nthe mechanisms behind selective oxidation but also offer a promising\napproach for the directional photosynthesis of high-purity chemicals\nin related applications.