Sulfidation of nickel foam with enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid.

Electrochemical oxidation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is an intriguing way of biomass conversion. Herein, a sulfidation of nickel foam (Ni2S3/NF) was attempted via a hydrothermal method, achieving high selectivity and efficiency for HMF oxidation. The optimized Ni2S3/NF electrode exhibits a nearly 100% conversion of HMF, 98% yield of FDCA, and 94% high faradaic efficiency. This material is stable and retains activity after 6 consecutive measurements. This work provides a facile route to design and prepare electrocatalysts for biomass upgrading.