Nanosized NiFeSe/NiCoO hierarchical arrays on Ni foam as an advanced electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation

• Published in: Sustainable energy & fuels 2022-12, Vol.7 (1), p.112-121
• Main Authors: Tasviri, Mahboubeh, Shekarabi, Sahar, Taherinia, Davood, Zare Pour, Mohammad Amin
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 2398-4902
• DOI: 10.1039/d2se01196d

The rational design of composite catalysts is critically essential for electrochemical water splitting. Here, we report on a novel hierarchical composite that comprises NiFeSe 2 nanoparticles and NiCo 2 O 4 nanoflakes supported on nickel foam (NF) as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The conjunction of the NiFeSe 2 nanoparticles and NiCo 2 O 4 nanoflakes introduces a new synergistic effect for the HER, resulting in an improved NiCo 2 O 4 catalyst. The as-prepared NiFeSe 2 /NiCo 2 O 4 /NF electrode exhibited an enhanced HER activity, with a low overpotential of 83 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 , a low Tafel slope of 45 mV dec −1 , and an excellent long-term electrochemical stability in alkaline media. This hierarchical architecture is instrumental in exposing the catalytically active sites, boosting mass transport, and speeding up the release of generated hydrogen bubbles from the electrode surface. This research offers a promising way for the electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts toward large-scale water splitting. A novel hierarchical composite electrode as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).