Two chemical reactions are better than one

A research team has created a new kind of electrochemical "two-in-one" system that turns plant-based molecules into two useful products at once. Using a finely tuned single-atom ruthenium catalyst, the process combines two chemical reactions, oxidation and hydrogenation, inside a single electrolytic cell, much like cooking two dishes in the same pot without mixing up the flavors.

Details of the research were published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials on October 15, 2025.

The system works on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound made from biomass that scientists view as a key ingredient for building a sustainable chemical industry. With this approach, HMF is transformed into two products: 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which can be used to make renewable plastics, and 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF), a valuable intermediate for fine chemicals and fuels.

Traditionally, these two reactions happen in separate systems; one on the positive electrode and one on the negative. The team's "symmetrical" setup brings the two sides together, reducing waste and energy consumption. It also operates under normal temperature and pressure, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to the conventional high-temperature, high-pressure chemical processes used in industry.

At the heart of this innovation is a catalyst made by placing ruthenium atoms onto a cobalt hydroxide surface. These single atoms enhance the way electrons and molecules interact, known scientifically as d-p orbital hybridization, allowing the reactions to run more smoothly. The result is a system that not only performs both reactions efficiently but also keeps the active sites stable during long operation.

Tests in a continuous-flow reactor showed that the system could run reliably for more than 240 hours without losing performance. During this time, the researchers achieved full conversion of HMF into the two desired products, reaching a combined yield of over 170 percent.

Beyond its technical success, the team also found the process could make economic sense. Their calculations suggest that every ton of FDCA produced could generate around 5,800 U.S. dollars in revenue, pointing toward possible industrial applications if scaled up.

"This research is a bit like turning a traditional single-lane road into a two-way street," said Hao Li, a professor from Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) who led the study. "Instead of separating the oxidation and hydrogenation processes, we let them flow together efficiently in one system. It's a step toward smarter and more sustainable ways of producing chemicals from renewable resources."

Next, the researchers plan to scale up their reactor to pilot-level systems and develop greener separation methods to purify the products more sustainably. They also aim to assess the process's environmental and economic performance through a detailed life cycle analysis.

By combining efficiency, durability, and simplicity, the study opens a pathway toward more practical and sustainable chemical manufacturing, using renewable feedstocks and clean electricity to get more value out of every reaction.

About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal: https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI
Main WPI program site:  www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR)
Tohoku University
Establishing a World-Leading Research Center for Materials Science
AIMR aims to contribute to society through its actions as a world-leading research center for materials science and push the boundaries of research frontiers. To this end, the institute gathers excellent researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and mathematics and provides a world-class research environment.