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Pairing electrochemical CO 2 reduction (CO 2 RR) with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) significantly limits overall system efficiency due to the high energy demand of the OER and low product value. Here, a scalable electrochemical platform is present that couples CO 2 RR with the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to the high‐value product 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Using a bimetallic FeCo‐modified Ni‐anode, prepared via a Fenton‐like surface treatment, achieves >95% FDCA yield and Faradaic efficiency under industrially relevant conditions by oxidizing stable Cannizzaro‐derived intermediates. Integration with CO 2 RR in an electrochemical flow cell enables syngas production with tunable H 2 /CO ratios (0.1–4) and >92% overall Faradaic efficiency. Simultaneously, FDCA is produced at the anode with ≈89% Faradaic efficiency and yields exceeding 90%. Economic analysis indicates an 11–12% improvement in overall energy efficiency, with FDCA contributing more than 96% of the system revenue. This work establishes a scalable, energy‐efficient platform for concurrent CO 2 utilization and biomass upgrading, advancing sustainable electrochemical production.
Krebs et al. (Thu,) studied this question.