Controlled Synthesis of Eutectic NiSe/Ni3Se2 Self‐Supported on Ni Foam: An Excellent Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting. Issue 8 (22nd February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Fangfang; Pei, Yu; Ge, Yuancai; Chu, Hang; Craig, Steven; Dong, Pei; Cao, Jun; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Ye, Mingxin; Shen, Jianfeng
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 5:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-02-22
• Subjects: bifunctional -- electrocatalyst -- eutectic -- NiSe/Ni3Se2 -- overall water splitting -- predominant performances -- 3D; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201701507
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: Here, the controlled synthesis of eutectic NiSe/Ni3 Se2 directly supported on Ni foam (NiSe/Ni3 Se2 /NF) is reported through a facile one‐pot hydrothermal method for the first time. The effects of reaction parameters on morphologies and corresponding electrochemical performances of NiSe/Ni3 Se2 /NF are investigated in detail. As a newfangled three‐dimensional bifunctional electrocatalyst, the electrocatalyst synthesized at 180 °C with 12 hours reaction time (denoted as NiSe/Ni3 Se2 /NF‐12) demonstrates the most regular morphology and best electrochemical properties. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between NiSe and Ni3 Se2, and the large surface area of the highly conductive Ni foam, the novel 3D hybrid electrode provides predominant electrocatalytic performances towards both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. In addition, when used for full water splitting, NiSe/Ni3 Se2 /NF‐12 can drive a 10 mA cm ‐2 current density at ≈1.6V in 1m KOH, which is competitive to the best electrocatalysts to our knowledge, with robust durability. Theoretical calculations confirm that the significant activity of the obtained material due to the unique 3D nanosheet architecture and interface reconstruction between NiSe and Ni3 Se2 through NiSe bonding, which results in the re‐distribution of charge and thus reduces the energy barrier of hydrogen desorption during the water decomposition. Abstract : Bifunctional NiSe/Ni3 Se2 hybrid electrocatalyst supported on Ni foam is prepared through hydrothermal method. The ideal NiSe/Ni3 Se2 /NF catalyst displays efficient electrochemical activity and extensive stability toward both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction. When used as overall water splitting electrode, the electrocatalyst can afford a 10 mA cm −2 current density at a given voltage of ≈1.6 V with great long‐term stability.