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

Converting 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) via electrooxidation is a sustainable approach for generating high-value chemicals from biomass. This study presents Mn-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets as an effective electrocatalyst for HMF electrooxidation. The Mn-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets were synthesized through a microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) strategy, followed by an alkaline reflux process. The as synthesized Mn-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets demonstrated remarkable catalytic performance, achieving 100 % HMF conversion, 99.0 % FDCA yield, and 98.8 % Faraday efficiency. Analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), open circuit potential (OCP), and density functional theory (DFT) revealed that Mn doping induced surface charge redistribution and electron hole formation, enhancing HMF adsorption and facilitating its oxidation. This study not only elucidates the role of Mn doping in Ni(OH)2 catalyst for HMF electrooxidation but also introduces an efficient electrocatalyst for biomass conversion.