Papillae-like morphology of Ni/Ni(OH)2 hybrid crystals by stepwise electrodeposition for synergistically improved HER. Issue 22 (15th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Yiheng; Wang, Jianzhi; Tian, Qifeng; Liu, Manyu; Wang, Xianming; Li, Pan; Li, Wei; Cai, Ning; Chen, Weimin; Yu, Faquan
• Is Part Of: CrystEngComm. Volume 21:Issue 22(2019)
• Page Start: 3431
• Page End: 3438
• Publication Date: 2019-05-15
• Subjects: Crystals -- Periodicals; Crystal growth -- Periodicals; Crystallography -- Periodicals; Cristaux -- Périodiques; Cristaux -- Croissance -- Périodiques; Cristallographie -- Périodiques; 548
• DOI: 10.1039/c9ce00304e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-8033

Abstract

Abstract : The stepwise electrodeposition of Ni/Ni(OH)2 dual composition resulted in 3D hierarchical nanoarrays with a papillae-like hybrid crystal structure. Abstract : In order to develop efficient and earth-abundant catalysts for large-scale hydrogen evolution via water splitting, a Ni/Ni(OH)2 dual composition electrocatalyst was manufactured via a two-step electrodeposition procedure. The stepwise fabricated 3D hierarchical nanoarrays as well as the concurrent dual composition electrodeposition yielded a papillae-like hybrid crystal structure. The high electrochemically active surface area, defect-rich hybrid crystal structure, and synergistic effects of the dual composition provided an elevated catalytic performance. Only 53 mV overpotential was needed to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm −2 with a small Tafel slope of 54.5 mV dec −1 to catalyze the HER in alkaline media. Approximately 81% catalytic activity could be maintained after 20 h of continuous testing, demonstrating long-term stability. Our findings offer an efficient approach to design and fabricate efficient noble-metal-free alkaline HER electrocatalysts.