Three-dimensional interconnected nickel phosphide networks with hollow microstructures and desulfurization performance

Three-dimensional microstructured nickel phosphide (Ni2P) was fabricated by the reaction between foam nickel (Ni) and phosphorus red. The as-prepared Ni2P samples, as interconnected networks, maintained the original mesh structure of foamed nickel. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-synthesized Ni2P were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, automatic mercury porosimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The SEM study showed adjacent hollow branches were mutually interconnected to form sponge-like networks. The investigation on pore structure provided detailed information for the hollow microstructures. The growth mechanism for the three-dimensionally structured Ni2P was postulated and discussed in detail. To investigate its catalytic properties, SiO2 supported three-dimensional Ni2P was prepared successfully and evaluated for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT). DBT molecules were mostly hydrogenated and then desulfurized by Ni2P/SiO2.