A research team has developed an innovative electrochemical system that simultaneously converts plant-derived molecules into two valuable products. This groundbreaking “two-in-one” system utilizes a precisely engineered single-atom ruthenium catalyst to integrate two chemical reactions—oxidation and hydrogenation—within a single electrolytic cell. This approach is akin to preparing two dishes in one pot while preserving their distinct flavors.
The findings of this research were published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials on October 15, 2025. The system primarily targets 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound produced from biomass that scientists consider essential for establishing a sustainable chemical industry.
Through this method, HMF is converted into two distinct products: 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which can be used to manufacture renewable plastics, and 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF), a crucial intermediate for fine chemicals and fuels. Traditionally, these reactions are carried out in separate systems—one at the positive electrode and the other at the negative electrode. The researchers” “symmetrical” design combines both processes, leading to reduced waste and energy consumption.
This system operates under standard temperature and pressure conditions, providing a more energy-efficient alternative compared to conventional chemical processes that require high temperature and pressure in industrial settings. At the core of this advancement is a catalyst created by depositing ruthenium atoms on a cobalt hydroxide surface. These single atoms improve the interaction between electrons and molecules, a phenomenon known as d-p orbital hybridization, enabling smoother reactions.
The result is a system that not only executes both reactions effectively but also maintains the stability of active sites throughout prolonged operation. Tests conducted in a continuous-flow reactor demonstrated that the system could function reliably for over 240 hours without performance degradation. During this testing period, researchers achieved complete conversion of HMF into the two targeted products, with a combined yield exceeding 170 percent.
Beyond its technical achievements, the team also indicated that the process may have economic viability. Their analysis suggests that each ton of FDCA produced could yield approximately 5,800 U.S. dollars in revenue, hinting at potential industrial applications if the process is scaled up.
“This research is somewhat like transforming a traditional single-lane road into a two-way street,” stated Hao Li, a professor at Tohoku University“s Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) and the study”s lead author. “Instead of keeping the oxidation and hydrogenation processes separate, we allow them to operate together efficiently within one system. This represents a move towards more intelligent and sustainable methods of producing chemicals from renewable resources.”
The next steps for the researchers involve scaling up their reactor to pilot-level systems and creating more environmentally friendly methods for purifying the products. They also plan to evaluate the environmental and economic impact of the process through a comprehensive life cycle analysis. By merging efficiency, durability, and simplicity, this study paves the way for more practical and sustainable chemical manufacturing, leveraging renewable feedstocks and clean electricity to maximize the value derived from each reaction.
