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. © 2021 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.