Oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over a magnetic iron oxide decorated rGO supporting Pt nanocatalyst

2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is an environmental friendly substitution for oil dependent PET polymers, which can obtain from the carbohydrate-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). A Fe ₃ O ₄ decorated reduced graphene oxide supporting platinum nanocatalyst (Pt/Fe ₃ O ₄ /rGO) was prepared and applied on FDCA synthesis from HMF oxidation in base-free water medium. Experimental results show that introduction of Fe ₃ O ₄ can increase the Pt utilization, the catalytic activity and recycling property of the catalyst. The dispersion of Pt was found increased about 10% by decorating with Fe ₃ O ₄ based on both electrochemical active and chemical adsorption surface area. The enhanced activation of alcohol and aldehyde at the Pt/Fe ₃ O ₄ interface was evidenced by electrochemical measurement. 100% conversion of HMF and over 98% yield of FDCA has been demonstrated using Pt/Fe ₃ O ₄ /rGO catalyst in aqueous solution, after 8 h under mild conditions. The reaction rate is twice higher as that for Pt/rGO catalyst. And the Pt/Fe ₃ O ₄ /rGO catalyst can be easily magnetically recycled and re-used without significant loss of activity after 5 times recycles.