Nickel selenide supported on nickel foam as an efficient and durable non-precious electrocatalyst for the alkaline water electrolysis

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Herein, we describe an <I>in-situ</I> hybridization of Nickel Selenide (Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Se<SUB>2</SUB>) with a Nickel Foam (NF) current collector as an efficient, ultra-durable electrode for the continuous alkaline water electrolysis. Earth abundant, cost effective, non-precious self-made Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Se<SUB>2</SUB>/NF electrode delivers an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential value of 315mV at a current density of 100mAcm<SUP>−2</SUP> (versus a reversible hydrogen electrode) in aqueous electrolyte of 1M KOH. On a static current density of 100mAcm<SUP>−2</SUP>, Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Se<SUB>2</SUB>/NF electrode shows a good OER stability over 285h with very small potential loss of 5.5% in alkaline electrolyte. Accordingly, the alkaline water electrolyzer constructed with Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Se<SUB>2</SUB>/NF (anode) and NiCo<SUB>2</SUB>S<SUB>4</SUB>/NF (cathode), it requires 1.58V to deliver 10mAcm<SUP>−2</SUP> current density, with 500h continuous operation in 1M KOH. In addition, we demonstrate that the light-driven water splitting using solar panel, it can be a promising approach to facilitate true independence from electricity in H<SUB>2</SUB> fuel economy. Overall, this methodology is one of the appropriate energy efficient ways to reduce the cost of water splitting devices, as it may simplify the diverse process and equipment.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> 3D-Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Se<SUB>2</SUB> porous electrode was prepared using one-step hydrothermal method. </LI> <LI> Explored as a low potential electrocatalyst to drive the oxygen evolution reaction. </LI> <LI> Demonstrated 500h continuous electrolyzer operation using both non-precious electrodes. </LI> <LI> Solar light assisted water splitting reduces the cost of electricity in H<SUB>2</SUB> generation. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>