Enhanced Electrochemical Catalysis: Hydrogen Evolution Using Bimetallic Sulfides on Nickel Foam

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered clean energy with broad application prospects for the 21st century, and water electrolysis plays a crucial role in hydrogen production. However, economic limitations and large overpotential values hinder its development. In this study, we deposited nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and sulfur (S) onto nickel foam (NF) using the constant potential method to form the Ni−S−Fe/NF catalyst, which exhibited an exceptionally low overpotential (31 mV) at a current density of −10 mA cm −2 , and a Tafel slope of 75.1 mV dec −1 in 1 M sodium hydroxide. It showed a minor charge resistance (1.256 Ω). The amorphous phase structure and optimized catalyst composition promoted outstanding hydrogen evolution activity. This work offers valuable perspectives on the industrial application of hydrogen production. ■ EXPERIMENTAL SECTIONReagents. Nickel foam (NF, thickness: 0.5 mm), nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl 2 •6H 2 O), sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ), boric acid