Coupling NiSe₂ Nanoparticles with N-Doped Porous Carbon Enables Efficient and Durable Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at pH Values Ranging from 0 to 14

Abstract

Integrating metal-based species with a carbon matrix is a promising approach for fabricating inexpensive, durable, and efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, NiSe 2 -decorated and N-doped carbon polyhedra (NC) are prepared as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by a template-assisted approach. The optimal NC-NiSe 2 delivers extraordinary catalytic activities toward HER in a wide pH range, with overpotentials of 127 mV in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 , 226 mV in 1 M PBS, and 205 mV in 1 M KOH to drive a current density of 10 mA cm −2 . In addition, this catalyst undergoes fast reaction kinetics via a Volmer−Heyrovsky mechanism and exhibits excelent long-term catalytic durability for 48 h in the full pH media. During electrocatalysis, when electrons pass through the NC matrix to the surface of NiSe 2 particles, water molecules at the active sites of NiSe2 are reduced, and then hydrogen is released. The excellent catalytic activity and durability mainly benefit from the hierarchically porous architecture as well as the synergistic interaction of NiSe 2 nanoparticles and NC matrix, which not only significantly boost the electronic conductivity and generate plentiful active sites but also guarantee the chemical and structural stabilities of NiSe 2 catalytic species. This work unravels deep insights into the exploration of carbonsupported metal chalcogenides as highly efficient HER electrocatalysts at full-pH values.

Synergistic Catalyst Design for Enhanced Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution: Fe2O3/MoS2/Ti3C2Tx MXene Ternary Composite

“…In recent years, transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have emerged as promising candidates for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to their unique electronic and structural properties such as higher abundance, easy synthesis routes, and low hydrogen binding energy. , Several monometallic TMCs such as MoS 2 , FeSe 2 , NiSe 2 , CoSe 2 , VS 2 , FeS 2 , WTe 2 , and MoTe 2 have been studied by researchers in detail for hydrogen evolution. − Among them, the two-dimensional (2D) MoS 2 with a layered structure exhibits unique surface effects, optimum hydrogen adsorption–desorption capability, and numerous structural engineering possibilities, which greatly improve their HER performance. , The properties of MoS 2 depend on its phases, namely, bulk 2H phase or layered 1T phase. Although the 2H-MoS 2 phase is known for its stability, the low electrical conductivity due to the inactive semiconducting basal plane hinders its development as a commercial electrocatalyst, whereas 1T-MoS 2 exhibits metallic conductivity, with both basal surface and edge atoms being catalytically active .…”

Nanostructured Ternary Bismuth–Antimony Trichalcogenide/Au Heterostructure Boosts Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…Hydrogen has been explored as a potential candidate, being a clean and green energy carrier with zero CO 2 emissions. − The electrocatalytic/photocatalytic process offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly route for hydrogen generation compared with the existing and traditional fossil fuel–based approaches. , The fundamental reactions in water electrolysis consist of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the anode and cathode sides of the cell, respectively . Platinum group metals and alloys exhibit remarkable electrocatalytic HER behavior in acidic conditions, with practically nil overpotential, a low Tafel slope, and rapid reaction kinetics; however, the high cost and material scarcity severely limit their practical applications. ,,− Development of highly efficient and economically viable electrocatalysts for HER and OER, ideally based on earth-abundant metals, is crucial to overcoming the existing challenges related to economically viable and climate-neutral large-scale production of hydrogen.…”

Photocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia from Hollow Coral-Like Graphitic Carbon Nitride/FeOCl Loaded with Fe-1T MoS2 Nanosheets as Cocatalysts

“…Graphite carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is a novel semiconductor photocatalyst, characterized by a notably modest bandgap energy (Eg) of 2.7 eV, outstanding conductivity, chemical stability, straightforward synthesis, and cost-effectiveness. − The abundance of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) elements in the earth renders g-C 3 N 4 an economically feasible material with low preparation costs. , Its distinctive graphene-like structure, boasting a generous surface area, can serve as an ideal carrier for various catalysts and active substances. − Wang et al first obtained g-C 3 N 4 through melamine thermal polymerization and applied it to the field of photocatalytic water splitting, confirming its photocatalytic property. Tay et al generated defective g-C 3 N 4 by incorporating hydrogen during the thermal condensation process, resulting in a 4.8-fold increase in hydrogen production compared to pristine g-C 3 N 4 under visible light exposure.…”