Papillae-like morphology of Ni/Ni(OH)2 hybrid crystals by stepwise electrodeposition for synergistically improved HER

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.