Mn-Doped Ni(OH)₂ Nanosheets as High-Performance Electrocatalyst for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Electrooxidation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Biomass conversion into valuable chemicals is crucial for sustainability.
• 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a key platform chemical derived from biomass.
• Efficient electrocatalysts are needed for HMF oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize Mn-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets as an electrocatalyst for HMF electrooxidation.
• To investigate the role of Mn doping in enhancing catalytic activity.
• To achieve high yields and efficiencies in FDCA production from HMF.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Mn-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets using a microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) strategy.
• Alkaline reflux process for catalyst preparation.
• Electrocatalytic testing for HMF conversion and product analysis.
• Characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), open circuit potential (OCP), and density functional theory (DFT).

Main Results:

• Achieved 100% HMF conversion with 99.0% FDCA yield and 98.8% Faraday efficiency.
• Mn doping induced surface charge redistribution and electron hole formation.
• Enhanced HMF adsorption and facilitated oxidation due to Mn doping.

Conclusions:

• Mn-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets are highly effective electrocatalysts for HMF electrooxidation.
• The study elucidates the mechanism of Mn doping in enhancing catalytic performance.
• This work presents a promising electrocatalyst for sustainable biomass conversion into FDCA.