Highly Active and Durable NiCoSeP Nanostructured Electrocatalyst for Large-Current-Density Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Large-scale hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting requires low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts that work well at high current densities with a low overpotential for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we report the production of a NiCoSeP nanostructured electrocatalyst by a low-cost, one-step electrodeposition technique. The catalyst exhibits very high current densities at small overpotentials (100 mA cm–2 at 151 mV, 500 mA cm–2 at 286 mV, and 1000 mA cm–2 at 381 mV) in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte. Moreover, NiCoSeP shows excellent HER performance in an acidic medium with small overpotentials of 93 and 131 mV to deliver large current densities of 100 and 500 mA cm–2, respectively. The unique morphology of NiCoSeP, superhydrophilic, and superaerophobic properties could facilitate electrolyte diffusion and rapid delivery of the generated bubble, respectively. Our experimental data confirm that the advantages of the excellent HER activity and stability of NiCoSeP nanostructure originate from the high active surface area, bimetal double-anion effect, and enhanced mass transfer of reactants and hydrogen bubbles. This work may provide a promising way for rational design and simplify the synthesis process of practical electrocatalysts.

Hierarchical Flower-like NiFeSbP Electrocatalyst toward Efficient and Stable Urea-Assisted Electrolytic Hydrogen Production

“…In this study, the electrodeposition method was employed to prepare the NiFeSbP/GB electrocatalyst, in which no binder was utilized. This encourages longevity in alkaline water splitting owing to an increase in the adhesion between the substrate and catalyst coating . The HER properties of the NiFeSbP/GB electrode are comparable or superior to those of reported electrocatalysts containing iron (as shown in Table S1).…”

Enhancing hydrogen generation through urea electro-oxidation on a bimetallic and dual-anionic NiFeSP/NF nanostructured electrode

“…S3, ESI †), and the diffraction pattern of the NiFeSP specimen contains three prominent peaks at diffraction angles of 44.541, 51.891, and 76.441 (2y), which are the standard peaks of metallic nickel (PDF#01-087-0712). 26,27 In addition, the peaks related to nickel foam also coincide with the peaks of metallic nickel. Compared to nickel foam, in the XRD spectrum, peaks related to NiFeSP, NiFeS, NiFeP, and NiSP electrodes are observed, in addition to nickel peaks, which only have Ni in the substrate due to their amorphous structure and low coating thickness.…”

“…S3, ESI†), and the diffraction pattern of the NiFeSP specimen contains three prominent peaks at diffraction angles of 44.54°, 51.89°, and 76.44° (2 θ ), which are the standard peaks of metallic nickel (PDF#01-087-0712). 26,27…”

Ambient Fast Synthesis of Superaerophobic/Superhydrophilic Electrode for Superior Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation

“…For the large-scale water electrolysis process, countless bubbles will be instantly generated, especially at large current densities. The aggregation of gas bubbles on the electrode surface can severely block the solid-liquid interface and cause poor mass transport, increased ohmic resistance as well as slow reaction kinetics, [48,49] which finally results in the inferior electrocatalytic performance and durability. Due to the superhydrophilic and superaerophobic property, the electrode surface possesses a strong ability to facilitate the mass diffusion and alleviate the "bubble shielding effect" for bubble release, especially at large current density.…”