Deciphering in-situ surface reconstruction in two-dimensional CdPS₃ nanosheets for efficient biomass hydrogenation

This study demonstrates that in-situ surface reconstruction of a two-dimensional layered CdPS₃ nanosheet electrocatalyst, triggered by electrolyte, facilitates efficient 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) hydrogenation to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) under ambient conditions. In-situ Raman spectroscopy and catalyst characterizations reveal the formation of a surface-bounded CdS layer, creating a CdPS₃/CdS heterostructure. This electrocatalyst achieves a Faradaic efficiency for BHMF of 91.3 ± 2.3% and a yield of 4.96 ± 0.16 mg/h at -0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. DFT calculations show the CdPS₃/CdS interface optimizes HMF* and H* adsorption, improving HMF hydrogenation. Coupling the CdPS₃/CdS cathode with a MnCo₂O₄ anode enables simultaneous BHMF and formate synthesis from HMF and glycerol.

Marshet Getaye Sendeku, Karim Harrath, Fekadu Tsegaye Dajan, Binglan Wu, Sabir Hussain, Ning Gao, Xueying Zhan, Ying Yang, Zhenxing Wang, Chen Chen, Weiqiang Liu, Fengmei Wang, Haohong Duan, Xiaoming Sun