Chem. Sci., 2026, Advance Article DOI: 10.1039/D6SC03912J, Edge Article Yue Xiao, Mengru Lian, Jiani Liu, Xuexue Li, Feng Yu, Fuxi Bao The bifunctional synergy of co-adsorbed oxyanions boosts HMFOR kinetics. SO42− primarily accelerates Ni(OH)2 dehydrogenation kinetics. Meanwhile, MoO42− predominantly strengthens HMF adsorption and facilitates its dehydrogenation kinetics.