Construction of Synergistic Ni3S2-MoS2 Nanoheterojunctions on Ni Foam as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Integrated with Biomass Valorization

The intrinsic sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limit the improvement of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, and substituting the anodic oxidation of biomass materials is an alternative approach, given its lower oxidation potential and higher added value compared to those of OER. In this study, a Ni3S2-MoS2 nanoheterojunction catalyst with strong electronic interactions is prepared. It exhibits high efficiency for both the HER and the electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In a two-electrode cell with Ni3S2-MoS2 serving as both the anode and cathode, the potential is only 1.44 V at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2), which is much lower than that of pure water splitting. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the strong chemisorption of H and HMF at the interface leads to outstanding electrocatalytic activity. The findings not only provide a strategy for developing efficient electrocatalysts, but also provide an approach for the continuous production of high value-added products and H-2.

Automated summary

A Ni3S2-MoS2 nanoheterojunction catalyst with strong electronic interactions was prepared in this study, showing high efficiency in both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The findings are significant for developing efficient electrocatalysts and continuous production of high value-added products and H2.