Core‐shell architecture of NiSe ₂ nanoparticles@nitrogen‐doped carbon for hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic and alkaline media

Abstract

Electrochemical water splitting is known to be one of the most potential pathways for hydrogen generation. However, this process is limited by the sluggish cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics. Nitrogen-doped materials have been exploited for the development of efficient electrocatalysts because of their tunable electronic properties. Herein, we illustrate a facile route to construct the core-shell architecture in NiSe 2 @nitrogen-doped carbon (NiSe 2 @NC) as efficient catalysts for the HER. NiSe 2 @NC samples were prepared through a two-step process involving pyrolysis and selenization at various temperatures from a nitrogen-rich Ni-based metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor. NiSe 2 @NC-500 C was considered as the optimal sample because it showed outstanding catalytic properties for the HER with low overvoltages of 161 and 220 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA/cm 2 in acidic and alkaline solutions, respectively. In addition, NiSe 2 @NC-500 C exhibited excellent stability after 2000 cycles and 12 h of operation. The high catalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of the core-shell structure and the carbon layers doped with high pyridinic-N content, which play a vital role in providing a large number of active centers, imparting high conductivity, and enhancing the durability of the electrocatalyst. This account may open an approach to the design and fabrication of low-cost electrode materials for HER. K E Y W O R D S core-shell structure, electrocatalysts, hydrogen evolution reaction, nickel diselenide Ha Huu Do and Quyet Van Le contributed equally to this work.

MoOxSy/Ni3S2 Microspheres on Ni Foam as Highly Efficient, Durable Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…For 180-2CTAB, the η 10 of 86 mV is larger than that of 160-2CTAB, proving that appropriate temperature is critical for improved HER activity. As summarized in Tables and , HER activity of 160-2CTAB is comparable to or better than that of most reported Mo-/Ni-based electrocatalysts. ,,− Remarkably, the ultra-low η 10 value of 58 mV of 160-2CTAB points to its extremely attractive potential for HER.…”

NiSe2 Nanoparticles Encapsulated in N-Doped Carbon Matrix Derived from a One-Dimensional Ni-MOF: An Efficient and Sustained Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…The post stability XPS analysis also confirms no such significant change was observed in the sample NiSe 2 -600@NC, which indicates the practical applicability of the material in an acidic media as shown in Figure S19. 70 On the basis of the above systematic characterization results and the electrochemical performances, the enhanced HER activity of NiSe 2 -600@NC can be attributed to its unique spherical-type surface morphology organized by the embedment of NC matrix, which not only increases the conductivity and electrochemical active surface area to accelerate the catalytic activity but also provides robustness to the structure which reflects in its long-term durability test. Second, the NC matrix might also modulate the electronic structural environment of the NiSe 2 -600@NC sample toward improved HER performances.…”

Hollow Ni/NiO/C composite derived from metal-organic frameworks as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction

“…However, their lack of stability and high cost hinder their utilization on an industrial scale. Accordingly, numerous studies have explored the use of non-noble metal catalysts, such as transition metal selenides [9][10][11], metal nitrides [12][13][14], and metal carbides [15][16][17], which exhibit promising activity in acidic solutions [18][19][20][21][22]. However, their performance is still limited for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline environments.…”