Crystal structure optimization of copper oxides for the benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction

Abstract

In this work, experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that different types of Cu wires significantly change the adsorption properties of reactant molecules and the benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction performance. In particular, CuO nanowires in situ grown on Cu foam exhibit the best performance with a low potential of 1.39 V at a current density of 200 mA cm-2, high selectivity to benzoic acid production, and good operational stability. Experimental and theoretical analyses show Cu-based wires alter adsorption properties, affecting benzyl alcohol oxidation. CuO nanowires show high performance toward benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction.