Operando Raman probing of electrocatalytic biomass oxidation on gold nanoparticle surfaces.

Electrocatalytic conversion of biomass-derived intermediates is a green route to value-added chemicals. However, this technology is just emerging and the mechanisms of this process are not fully resolved. Here, we present the first operando Raman spectroscopic investigation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation on gold nanoparticle surfaces, opening up avenues for understanding such reactivity and for rational systems design.