In-suit growth of NiS quantum dots embedded in ultra-thin N,O,S-tri-doped carbon porous nanosheets on carbon cloth for high-efficient HMF oxidation coupling hydrogen evolution

The rational design and development of highly efficient non-precious metal chalcogenide electro-catalysts is key but challenging technology for biomass conversion into high-valued chemicals coupling hydrogen evolution. Herein, the NiS quantum dots (QDs) with good dispersibility embedding into wrinkled N,O,S-tri-doped carbon porous nanosheets (NiS@NOSC) implanted in-situ on carbon cloth were synthesized via a facile one-step py-rolysis method. The as-obtained NiS@NOSC porous nanosheets network displays excellent superhydrophilic/ superaerophobic surface, facilitating fast diffusion of ion and release of H2 bubble. The self-supported NiS@-NOSC on carbon cloth could serve as both cathode and anode electrodes for high-efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into high-valued 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) coupling hydrogen evolution requiring only a low potential of 1.51 V to afford 50 mA cm(-2). The high electrocatalysis performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of high activity of monodisperse NiS QDs, superhydrophilic/ superaerophobic network structure, and the electronic regulation between NOSC and NiS QDs in NiS@NOSC, which has promising foreground to fulfil large-scale commercialize application.

Automated summary

The rational design and development of highly efficient non-precious metal chalcogenide electro-catalysts for biomass conversion into high-valued chemicals coupled with hydrogen evolution is challenging but important. In this study, NiS quantum dots embedded into N,O,S-tri-doped carbon porous nanosheets network were successfully synthesized and used as both cathode and anode electrodes. The resulting material exhibited excellent superhydrophilic/superaerophobic surface and achieved high electrocatalytic performance for the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid coupled with hydrogen evolution.