A stable three-dimensional core-shell metal-nitride catalyst consisting of NiFeN nanoparticles decorated on NiMoN nanorods supported on porous Ni foam (NiMoN@NiFeN), which functions as an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst for alkaline seawater electrolysis. It yields large current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm.sup.−2 at overpotentials of 369 and 398 mV, respectively, in alkaline natural seawater at 25° C. Combined with an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst of NiMoN nanorods, current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm.sup.−2 at low voltages of 1.608 and 1.709 V, respectively are achieved for overall alkaline seawater splitting at 60° C.

A stable three-dimensional core-shell metal-nitride catalyst consisting of NiFeN nanoparticles decorated on NiMoN nanorods supported on porous Ni foam (NiMoN@NiFeN), which functions as an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst for alkaline seawater electrolysis. It yields large current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm.sup.−2 at overpotentials of 369 and 398 mV, respectively, in alkaline natural seawater at 25° C. Combined with an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst of NiMoN nanorods, current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm.sup.−2 at low voltages of 1.608 and 1.709 V, respectively are achieved for overall alkaline seawater splitting at 60° C.

A method for producing 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) by electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is provided, where the catalytic oxidation is conducted using an electrolytic cell; the electrolytic cell is a three-electrode electrolytic cell or a two-electrode electrolytic cell; an anode used is a monolithic electrode; the monolithic electrode includes a carrier and a catalytically active substance loaded on the carrier; and the catalytically active substance includes cobaltosic oxide particle-encapsulated nitrogen-doped carbon nanowires. The method has high activity and high selectivity, and the anodic catalyst is highly tolerant to HMF.

A method for producing 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) by electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is provided, where the catalytic oxidation is conducted using an electrolytic cell; the electrolytic cell is a three-electrode electrolytic cell or a two-electrode electrolytic cell; an anode used is a monolithic electrode; the monolithic electrode includes a carrier and a catalytically active substance loaded on the carrier; and the catalytically active substance includes cobaltosic oxide particle-encapsulated nitrogen-doped carbon nanowires. The method has high activity and high selectivity, and the anodic catalyst is highly tolerant to HMF.

The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, devices, systems and uses that pertain to the electrochemical reduction of CO.sub.2 to CO. The application presents a class of electrodes, incorporating molecular catalysts in nanostructures, for robust and efficient electrochemical systems, specifically, selective and robust hybrid electrodes, by incorporating a rhenium (Re) catalyst into the structure of highly porous heterogeneous materials. These electrodes can be scaled up to desired manufacturing dimensions due to their robust nature and methods of preparation.

The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, devices, systems and uses that pertain to the electrochemical reduction of CO.sub.2 to CO. The application presents a class of electrodes, incorporating molecular catalysts in nanostructures, for robust and efficient electrochemical systems, specifically, selective and robust hybrid electrodes, by incorporating a rhenium (Re) catalyst into the structure of highly porous heterogeneous materials. These electrodes can be scaled up to desired manufacturing dimensions due to their robust nature and methods of preparation.

Methods for electrochemically oxidizing aromatic aldehydes, such as furfural and furfural derivatives, to carboxylic acids in acidic solutions are provided. Also provided are electrochemical cells for carrying out the oxidation reactions. The electrochemical oxidations may be conducted in aqueous media at ambient pressure and mild temperatures.

Methods for electrochemically oxidizing aromatic aldehydes, such as furfural and furfural derivatives, to carboxylic acids in acidic solutions are provided. Also provided are electrochemical cells for carrying out the oxidation reactions. The electrochemical oxidations may be conducted in aqueous media at ambient pressure and mild temperatures.

Methods for producing a carbon-free, PGM-free support for PGM catalyst. The catalytic material comprises PGM metals disposed on a carbon-free support which is catalytic but free of PGM.

A catalyst includes a layered double hydroxide and a metal particle. The layered double hydroxide includes ions of at least two transition metals. The metal particle includes at least one transition metal. The metal particle has a surface coated with the layered double hydroxide.